Aston Villa face a challenging run-in to end the Premier League season this year, as we hope to break into the top half of the table as a minimum objective.
Although we currently remain in 11th place in the standings, we’re four points adrift of 7th place – albeit Brighton have two games in hand – while we’re nine off fifth spot as things stand.
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With fixtures against Chelsea, Newcastle Utd, Brentford, Fulham, Tottenham, Liverpool and Brighton among others still to come, we face every side directly above us in what promises to be an incredibly difficult run of games between now and the end of the campaign.
Given our form and the quality shown under Unai Emery thus far though, there’s every reason to be hopeful that we can at least push for 7th and be in the race for a European qualification spot.
In order to have the best possible chance of doing that though, Emery will want as close to a fully-fit squad available as possible, and specifically having Boubacar Kamara at his disposal given how important the 23-year-old has been for us.
The Frenchman has missed our last two league outings due to injury, but prior to that he was an almost ever-present under Emery and has been a highly influential figure for Villa in both phases of the game as we adapt to, and develop, a new style of play.
While there have been mistakes along the way, Kamara remains a fundamental figure in that process with his ability to not only provide defensive protection in front of the backline, but combined with his composure and technical quality in possession to help us build our attacks from the back.
Further, the partnership he has established with Douglas Luiz has been crucial, and although John McGinn has done an excellent job of deputising in a more central role in Kamara’s absence, it will be a boost in itself to allow the Scottish international to get back to playing on the right side of midfield where he looked more of an offensive threat.
As seen in the images below from Kamara’s partner’s Instagram account, it appears as though the Villa midfielder is making steady progress at Bodymoor Heath, and it’s hoped that his ankle is fully healed and he can resume group training as soon as possible.
That will be the key test to determine his availability, as if he can get several sessions in before Saturday’s trip to Stamford Bridge, he could potentially be available for selection.
It’s important that Villa don’t rush him back either as the last thing we need is for him to aggravate the injury and be ruled out for an extended time, and given McGinn’s form and influence, it’s an unnecessary risk. In turn, time will tell what his condition is by Emery’s pre-game press conference later in the week, but it will be an important boost for all concerned if the Frenchman is available again next weekend.
