Aston Villa will hope to receive positive news after it was confirmed that Ezri Konsa has returned early from international duty due to an injury.
The 27-year-old continues to be a fundamental figure for Unai Emery having featured in 14 games across all competitions so far this season, as his defensive quality and ability to set the standard at the back has been a pivotal part of our ongoing progression.
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In turn, his absence at any time would be a real blow for Villa, and so it’s hoped that he hasn’t sustained a significant issue while on international duty with England this past week.
Konsa was replaced at half-time in their 3-0 win over Greece during the week, and interim manager Lee Carsley has confirmed that the centre-half has returned to Villa early to avoid the possible risk of aggravating the issue.
“He has been assessed by the medical team and the scan results are back. He will go back to Villa,” he is quoted as saying by BBC Sport.
While that’s a positive development as Konsa will now get the week ahead to rest, recover and receive any necessary treatment, there will be an anxious wait now until the club confirm the severity of the knock and if it will sideline Konsa for our upcoming games.
Villa host Crystal Palace on November 23 before Juventus visit us in the Champions League a few days later, and so it’s imperative that Konsa is at Emery’s disposal as we look to put a poor run of form behind us and get back on track heading into the festive period.
With a string of other injury concerns in the squad currently as well with the likes of Jacob Ramsey, Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana all picking up setbacks, it remains to be seen what kind of shape the squad is in for our next game, but hopefully there will be positive updates as the week goes on.
Konsa has been a key figure due to his versatility too, having filled in at right-back when needed so far this season. In turn, while Diego Carlos is an option to deputise at centre-half if required, time will tell if Matty Cash is available after his an injury of his own to give us a timely boost in that department.