Boubacar Kamara ruled out until after World Cup as Aston Villa injuries mount
Aston Villa confirmed on Friday that midfielder Boubacar Kamara will be out until after the World Cup after picking up an injury in a 1-0 win over Southampton on 16 September.
Kamara was withdrawn in the 44th minute after suffering what appeared to be a knock on his knee. On Friday it was confirmed that the Frenchman had ligament damage and could be out for more than three months.
The defensive midfielder joins an extensive group of injured players at Villa that includes Lucas Digne, Diego Carlos, and Matty Cash, though the latter is expected to return to training next week.
A fitness update ahead of our return to @PremierLeague action on Sunday...#LEEAVL pic.twitter.com/mnuNnqg88s
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) September 30, 2022
Manager Steven Gerrard spoke extensively on Kamara and Villa’s growing injury problem.
“It’s not ideal, we’ve had better days on the injury front,” the gaffer said.
“Bouba will be missing until after the World Cup unfortunately so that’s a huge blow, and obviously Diego Carlos, two of our signature signings if you like, who are going to be missing for a large part of the season.
“Lucas Digne is a unique situation, he has a heel problem and it’s one we’re going to have to monitor as we go along, so it’s very difficult to put a timescale on Lucas but he’ll certainly be missing in the coming weeks.”
Veteran Ashley Young stepped in for Cash in the Southampton win and turned in a fine performance. Lucky for Gerrard, Villa are deep in central defense and have absorbed Carlos’ injury well.
Gerrard will turn to Swedish international Ludwig Augustinsson in Digne’s absence. The 28-year-old on loan from Sevilla should prove to be sufficient cover at left back until Digne is back healthy.
Replacing Kamara is not as straight forward for Gerrard. Douglas Luiz is the most likely to slot in in front of the back line, but it’s grown increasingly clear that Luiz is better suited in the role of a No. 8.
Summer signing Leander Dendoncker may be a better option in defensive midfield for Gerrard, though the Belgian international is more accustomed to playing in a double pivot.
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