Matteo Ruggeri injury leaves Aston Villa short as Emery confirms month-long absence

Matteo Ruggeri’s injury is expected to keep him out for more than a month, leaving Aston Villa without either senior left-back for Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with Fenerbahçe.

Unai Emery confirmed the setback on Tuesday after the Italy international came off at half-time during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Brentford.

Ian Maatsen is also unavailable, although there was better news in midfield: Leon Goretzka will be included in the squad and could make his Villa debut.

Matteo Ruggeri injury forces defensive rethink

Speaking before the European fixture, Emery said Ruggeri’s exact recovery time remained uncertain but put his expected absence at “more than one month”, as reported by Hayters.

The hamstring problem leaves Villa short on the left of defence while Maatsen continues his recovery from an ankle injury.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka replaced Ruggeri against Brentford and offers Emery an option to cover on that side again.

Maatsen has returned to individual training, with Emery hopeful he will soon rejoin the group. However, the visit of Fenerbahçe comes too early for him.

Villa then travel to Newcastle United on Saturday, giving Emery another defensive selection decision before the week is out.

Goretzka included as debut moves closer

Goretzka’s inclusion marks another step forward after the knee injury that delayed his first appearance following his summer arrival.

Dave.Sport previously covered Goretzka’s return to group training, but his availability for this match had remained unconfirmed.

Emery has now cleared up that question, although a place in the squad does not guarantee a starting role.

George Hemmings will miss Wednesday’s game with a minor problem, while Emery hopes he could return for the weekend.