Tielemans, McGinn, Alysson: Aston Villa injury news and return dates ahead of RB Salzburg and Brentford tests
The latest news on Aston Villa’s injury situation, including updates involving Youri Tielemans, John McGinn, Ross Barkley and more
Aston Villa conclude their Europa League group stage campaign with a home clash against Red Bull Salzburg as they aim to continue their excellent start to 2026.
Unai Emery’s side have already secured their place in the last 16 but know that three points in this one is likely to give them a much easier pathway to the final in Istanbul in five months time.
RB Salzburg, meanwhile, still have plenty to play for in the West Midlands. They’ve only managed six points from seven matches so far; putting them in 28th position, but there’s still a slim chance that they could reach the play-off phase if they pick up three points and if results around them go in their favour.
Villa are likely to rotate a few players given the extent of their current injury situation, particularly with a challenging home game against European darkhorses Brentford on the horizon in the league.
With that in mind, we take a look at Aston Villa’s current injury situation and when their big name absentees are likely to be back in the fray.
Youri Tielemans latest after Newcastle United setback
Youri Tielemans’ latest setback against Newcastle United compounded Aston Villa’s existing crisis in the middle of the park, and was likely the decisive factor in their decision to try and bring back Douglas Luiz.
The Belgian picked up an ankle injury during the club’s first away win at St James’ Park in 21 years and is now expected to miss somewhere between eight to 10 weeks with the issue. Expected return date: April 2026
John McGinn injury latest plus other Aston Villa concerns
John McGinn was forced off in the first half of the recent 1-0 defeat to Everton at Villa Park and underwent several tests throughout the week that followed. He’s expected to be out for the next six to eight weeks but should be back in time for the World Cup. Expected return date: April 2026
Ross Barkley, who was linked with a move to Sheffield United earlier in the window, could return ahead of schedule from his knee injury. He’s been training individually as part of his rehab and is targeting a return early next month. Expected return date: February 2026
Andres Garcia, like Barkley, has had an injury-hit season but he’s suffered another setback to his hamstring. It’s thought to be a small injury but is enough to keep him out for the next few weeks. Expected return date: late February 2026
Alysson Edward, who was signed over the summer, will likely have to wait a while before his Villa debut. The 19-year-old is nursing a knee injury but the full extent of the problem hasn’t been disclosed. Expected return date: Unknown
Elsewhere, Villa’s biggest issue at the moment remains the season-ending knee injury to Boubacar Kamara. The Frenchman has been brilliant this season but is not expected to feature until pre-season at the earliest. Expected return date: June 2026