What Aston Villa will be thinking about Zion Suzuki as Japan starting XI vs Uruguay named
Aston Villa are keeping close tabs on Zion Suzuki and his injury while away with Japan.
The goalkeeper has been simply superb since coming through the door at Bodymoor Heath.
His distribution and shot-stopping has been a breath of fresh air in B6.
Fans have already forgotten about the loss of Emi Martinez after his departure for Chelsea.
That was until they learned of a rib injury sustained while he was featuring for the Villans.
Suzuki was still allowed to depart to link up with the Japan squad, as his status becomes brutally clear.
Is Zion Suzuki in the Japan XI vs Uruguay today?
There was a sense of inevitability when the B6 faithful learned of a problem for the keeper.
It doesn't feel as if Unai Emery and Co. can catch a break.
Injuries have already been a problem this season as even a new signing like Leon Goretzka has been unable to play.
There was widespread frustration surrounding Suzuki, something which has only taken a step up.
Japan have named their starting XI to face Uruguay on Thursday and the Villa man doesn't feature.
The worrying concern is that he is also absent from the bench as he is totally missing from the matchday squad.
That will hardly go down well at Villa Park as concern is only likely to grow further.
What would Aston Villa do without Suzuki?
You only have to look at the Tottenham game to understand how important the 24-year-old is.
His five saves, four high claims and two punches showcased just how superb he is.
Should he return to Bodymoor Heath injured and is forced to miss games, Marco Bizot will likely come in, if he is fit.
The Dutchman didn't cover himself in glory to start the campaign as his only Premier League start came in a 4-0 defeat to Brighton.
He conceded the four goals from just 3.59 expected goals on target faced.
The 35-year-old also misplaced 11 passes and failed to act as a sweeper on any occasion.
That just shows how big the drop off is between the two keepers, so losing Suzuki couldn't be more clear as a major issue.