‘Not in good shape’ - Aston Villa star drops exciting injury update but blow for striker

Emi Buendia has provided Aston Villa fans with an update on the progress of one of his teammates, who is closing in on a return.

The Argentine playmaker suffered a ‘significant’ knee injury during training last month. It was reported by The Athletic that he suffered an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury, and that the time frame on those injuries is usually nine months.

His 2023/24 season is likely to be over before its begun but fans could soon see Alex Moreno return to action. Spanish left-back Moreno underwent surgery for an injury at the tail end of the last campaign and is now closing in on a return.

Aston Villa last week posted photos of him in training which was met by a positive reaction amongst supporters. He was supported by Buendia, who posted a photo of him. The 30-year-old was pictured with the caption ‘Way to go, kid. You’re already close.”

He could find himself in contention to return to the match-day squad against Crystal Palace, in what would be a welcomed boost to Unai Emery. Lucas Digne has been first-choice at left-back this term, but more competition for places is desired to drive up standards both in training and in games.

It's not been plain sailing for Keinan Davis who recently departed the club for Serie A outfit Udinese however. He had the opportunity to join both Hull City and Swansea City but opted for a move to Italy, and now his plans of making his debut are likely to be on hold.

Udinese posted that the 25-year-old has an injury on his calf and will now undergo a period of rehabiliation with the duration of his injury yet unspecified.

Italian paper Il Messaggero Veneto describe the striker as 'not in good shape' and that he could be out for up to two months, and so Villa have cashed in on Davis at the right time. He did not feature in the first-team plans, and his departure allowed the club to move towards staying within the confined’s of Financial Fair Play rules.