What can Aston Villa fans expect from Matteo Ruggeri after Ian Maatsen injury latest?

Aston Villa may now need to rely on Matteo Ruggeri after Ian Maatsen's injury setback.

Maatsen emerged as Villa's first-choice left-back after Luca Digne departed to join Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the summer.

The Dutchman still splits opinion after a big-money move from Chelsea in the summer of 2024 and is yet to reach his full potential.

But the 24-year-old has been one of Unai Emery's better players in the opening stages of the season, despite a nightmare run of results.

Maatsen was forced to come off in Villa's 2-1 loss against Nottingham Forest on Saturday after Emery had made all five of his substitutions.

He's now expected to miss an extended period of time on the sidelines, while Aston Villa turn their attention to new signing Ruggeri.

How long is Ian Maatsen set to miss for Aston Villa?

Maatsen has suffered an ankle injury that has been classed as a syndesmosis/high sprain.

There have been suggestions that the left-back will be out for at least eight weeks.

As per FotMob, he ranks in the top 5.7 percentile of all Premier League left-backs for his seven interceptions and 35 kilometres-per-hour top speed this season.

He also ranks in the leading 9.4 per cent for his total of 64 sprints, as well as being in the top 15.1 per cent for an expected assists tally of 0.45.

Ruggeri will have to prove his worth, but his stats from his time with Atletico Madrid may ease concerns in B6.

The Italian created 1.27 chances per game in La Liga last season, with a crossing success of 33.3 per cent.

He completed an average of 87 per cent of his passes, while winning a whopping 59 per cent of aerial duels.

Ruggeri made an average of 6.3 defensive contributions per match, and appears physically ready for the challenge of Premier League football.

How Matteo Ruggeri already has Maatsen's number in key area

Ruggeri, like Maatsen, is 24 and can give the latter a run for his money.

That's especially if he can prove himself while Maatsen is out injured, as the data provided shows he has every chance of doing so.

But one key area that he excels over Maatsen is attacking output.

Ruggeri had a total of seven assists last season, a number Maatsen has never reached in his career.

The ex-Chelsea man had his best-ever assist tally while playing for Burnley in the Championship, where he managed six.

But since moving to Villa Park, Maatsen only has three assists in over two years.

It's safe to say that left-back competition at Villa is to heat up very soon.