Sevilla left-back Marcos Acuna has suffered an injury setback which could jeopardise a potential move to Aston Villa before the end of the month.
TYC Sports reports that the 30-year-old full-back is subject to further examinations, and Sevilla will hold their breath while the medical team investigates the extent of the damage.
Acuna picked up the knock during Sevilla’s enthralling 4-3 defeat against Deportivo Alaves at the Estadio de Mendizorroza on Monday night.
The World Cup winner was replaced by Adria Pedrosa at the start of the second half, having sustained a suspected hamstring tear in his right leg.
The medical report from Sevilla will provide further information on the injury, but early signs suggest Acuna could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines.
He could miss Argentina’s World Cup 2026 qualifying games against South American rivals Ecuador and Bolivia next month.
Acuna’s latest setback comes as a blow to the Europa League champions but also to Villa, who had shortlisted him as a primary candidate to reinforce the left-back slot.
Villa already have Alex Moreno confined to the treatment room as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury, leaving Lucas Digne as the only out-and-out left back in the squad.
However, the Frenchman could be closing in on a move to Ligue 1 with OGC Nice trying to wrap up a transfer arrangement with Villa.
The French club are in advanced talks with Villa over a season-long loan that includes a purchase option, and an agreement is expected to be finalised this week.
Villa were expected to push for Acuna, but his injury could scupper those plans and force them to turn their attention to Arsenal left-back Nuno Tavares.
The Gunners outcast impressed during his loan stint with Olympique Marseille but didn’t do enough to convince them he was worth keeping permanently.
However, Acuna’s injury could see Villa offer an escape route to the Portuguese defender, with Emery determined to recruit a left-back before the transfer window closes.
