Amadou Onana

Onana (knee) remains sidelined for an extended period but is making positive progress in his recovery from a torn ACL, according to coach Unai Emery. "Onana is out for a long time, but is progressing very well."

Analysis: Onana continues his rehabilitation after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee during Belgium's World Cup clash against the United States in July. The midfielder has been sidelined since then, and manager Unai Emery's latest comments suggest that his recovery is progressing well despite the lengthy absence still expected. No specific return date has been established, meaning Aston Villa will have to continue without him for the foreseeable future.

Jul 7, 2026

Suffers torn ACL vs USA

Onana is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining a torn ACL in his right knee during Belgium's round of 16 win over the United States, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.

Analysis: Onana's injury is a major blow for Aston Villa, who had been building their midfield around him alongside Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans, with the club not previously looking to recruit in that area. The timing compounds Villa's issues in the middle of the park, as Kamara has not played since tearing his posterior cruciate ligament in January and had been targeting a return by the start of preseason. Onana made 38 appearances in all competitions last season as Villa won the Europa League and qualified for the Champions League, and his extended absence will force manager Unai Emery to reassess his midfield options heading into next season.