Aston Villa's Sunday clash with Manchester United at Villa Park turned sour when key defender Ezri Konsa exited early due to a hamstring injury. This setback poses a significant challenge for manager Unai Emery, complicating the team's already packed schedule.
A blow to Villa's defensive line-up
Konsa's injury occurred after a collision with Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund, leading him to signal discomfort and grab his leg. Medical staff quickly assessed him on the field, resulting in his substitution by Diego Carlos. Konsa's absence is a major concern for Aston Villa, as he is integral to Emery's defensive plans. Known for his versatility, Konsa can effectively play both centre-back and right-back positions.
Former striker Clinton Morrison highlighted the impact on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Ezri Konsa is a top defender – you can play him anywhere. That will be him out of the England squad as well, but that's a huge blow for Aston Villa." Konsa's role extends beyond defence; his passing accuracy this season stands at an impressive 93.7%, crucial for Villa’s build-up play.
Konsa boasts remarkable defensive statistics, including a 78% aerial duel success rate and not being directly tackled once in the league this season. These figures underscore the challenge Emery faces in filling the void left by Konsa. His 91% passing success rate over the past year surpasses many Premier League peers, emphasising his importance.
Growing injury concerns for Villa
Konsa's injury adds to Aston Villa's mounting fitness issues. The team is already missing Jacob Ramsey, Amadou Onana, and John McGinn due to various injuries. Leon Bailey, initially doubtful, managed to start against Manchester United after passing a late fitness test. This spate of injuries comes at a critical time for Villa, with seven games across all competitions in just three weeks post-international break, including Premier League and Champions League fixtures.
The international break offers Aston Villa a chance to thoroughly assess Konsa's injury. The club’s medical team will determine the extent of his hamstring issue and establish a timeline for his return. For Konsa personally, this injury jeopardises his recent call-up to Lee Carsley's England squad for upcoming Nations League matches against Greece and Finland, making his participation doubtful.
Aston Villa's next Premier League match is set for October 19 against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Emery will need innovative solutions to maintain Villa’s competitive edge across multiple competitions. With Konsa sidelined, the team’s defensive line-up faces a stern test, and Emery will hope his squad can rise to meet it.