Aston Villa have been hit with another setback as midfielder Youri Tielemans is expected to be sidelined for up to five more weeks, according to The Athletic.
The Belgian international is out with a calf problem that has kept him on the treatment table for several weeks.
Tielemans sustained the injury during Villa’s goalless draw with Everton on September 13. He has missed the club’s last six fixtures and is not expected to feature until mid-November.
Midfield crisis deepens for Emery
Villa’s midfield has been hit hard by fitness problems this season.
Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara have already endured spells on the sidelines with hamstring injuries, leaving manager Unai Emery short of options.
Tielemans’ extended absence adds to that growing list, creating more challenges for the manager as he looks to maintain the team’s recent momentum.
Since joining Villa, Tielemans has established himself as a crucial member of the side.
He was named the club’s Player of the Year for the 2024/25 campaign after a season full of consistency and influence.
Before the injury, he started all four of Villa’s opening league fixtures this season and made an impressive 53 appearances across all competitions last term.
Tielemans is renowned for his calmness on the ball, sharp passing and ability to dictate play from deep positions.
He has evolved from a defensive-minded player into a complete box-to-box presence who can also operate as a creative number ten.
His long-range shooting and precision from set pieces make him a constant threat in attack, while his ball-winning skills strengthen Villa’s midfield stability.
