AstonVilla coach UnaiEmery has announced that former Atalanta and Atletico Madrid defender MatteoRuggeri will be out for more than a month due to injury. Ruggeri's absence will have repercussions on the next Champions League match against Fenerbahçe, scheduled for tomorrow.
Emery specified that information regarding the duration of Ruggeri's recovery is not yet certain, but that the player must have been missing for several weeks. “We have to find solutions because Ian Maatsen is not yet available,” said the coach, highlighting the need to reorganize the defence.
As for Maatsen, Emery expressed optimism: “I think, the way he is improving, he should join us in a few days or a week, so that's positive.” In addition, he confirmed that LeonGoretzka will be present for tomorrow's match, while GeorgeHemmings remains unavailable due to a minor pain, but could return on Saturday. AmadouOnana and ModouKebaCisse have started training with the team, and the club hopes that BrianMadjo can join the group on Saturday.
Emery also mentioned that some players, such as TaylorHarwood‑Bellis and BrianMadjo, will not be able to participate in the Champions League, but expressed confidence in the squad to face the challenge. “Some players are getting injured and others are coming back, but our squad has to be enough to play with our improvements and the expectation that we have to improve for tomorrow,” he concluded.
With the team ready to manage absences, AstonVilla prepares to challenge Fenerbahçe, trying to maintain competitiveness despite injury difficulties and player availability limitations.