Matteo Ruggeri
AVL
Left Back
Overlapping Full Back
Jul 11, 2002 (24)
Left
6'2"
152 lb
Facing two months on sidelines
Ruggeri (hamstring) is expected to miss approximately two months after sustaining an injury during Aston Villa's Premier League clash against Brentford, according to coach Unai Emery, per John Townley of Birmingham Live.
Analysis: Ruggeri faces an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury during the recent encounter against Brentford. Emery had initially suggested that the defender would be unavailable for more than a month, but his latest update indicates that the recovery process could take approximately two months, potentially keeping Ruggeri out until mid-to-late December. His absence represents a significant setback for Villa's defensive depth, particularly with Aaron Wan-Bissaka (hamstring) also ruled out for three to four weeks. However, Ian Maatsen (ankle) returned to team training Tuesday and could provide some relief on the left side of defense, while Matty Cash remains another option across the back line. Ruggeri's recovery will be monitored over the coming weeks, although he appears unlikely to return to competitive action before December.
Out for one month
Ruggeri (hamstring) is expected to remain sidelined for more than a month after suffering an injury during Saturday's Premier League clash against Brentford, according to coach Unai Emery, per John Townley of Birmingham Live.
Analysis: Ruggeri sustained a hamstring injury against Brentford over the weekend, with Emery's latest update confirming the defender faces an extended spell on the sidelines. The projected recovery timeline will rule him out of several upcoming fixtures, including Wednesday's Champions League clash against Fenerbahce. With Ian Maatsen (ankle) also unavailable, Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be called upon to cover at left-back, while Matty Cash operates on the opposite flank. Ruggeri's absence represents a significant blow to Aston Villa's defensive depth, and his recovery will be monitored over the coming weeks.
Expected to miss several weeks
Ruggeri (hamstring) is expected to miss several weeks, according to Jacob Tanswell of The Athletic.
Analysis: There should be a clearer timeframe for Ruggeri's return in the coming days, but the defender is set to miss several matches after sustaining the injury against Brentford this past weekend. With Ian Maatsen (ankle) also out, Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be in line to see more playing time at left-back, with Matty Cash playing on the opposite flank.
Exits with hamstring problem
Ruggeri was replaced by Aaron Wan-Bissaka in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Brentford due to a hamstring problem, according to head coach Unai Emery, per Jacob Tanswell. "It's his hamstring. We will check tomorrow."
Analysis: Ruggeri remains a major doubt for Aston Villa pending a fitness evaluation on Sunday, compounding the club's defensive problems in the absence of primary left-back Ian Maatsen (ankle). The defender's potential absence leaves the back line stretched in wide areas. Aaron Wan-Bissaka shifted across to left-back after replacing him during the match and is slated to continue covering the role until Maatsen recovers full fitness.
Exits with strapped left leg
Ruggeri was replaced by Aaron Wan-Bissaka at halftime of Saturday's match against Brentford after emerging from the tunnel with strapping high on his left leg, Jacob Tanswell of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Ruggeri's availability remains in doubt after he was substituted at half-time. The summer signing had been deployed at left-back to cover for Ian Maatsen (ankle). Should Ruggeri also be ruled out, Villa would be left without a natural option in that position. Aaron Wan-Bissaka filled his place in the left position in the game and he is the likely option even if it is not his natural position.
Limited to one start so far
Ruggeri has made just one start so far in the 2026/27 Premier League season.
Analysis: The Italian defender joined Aston Villa from Atletico Madrid in August but had been limited to just two league appearances and 23 minutes before starting and playing the full 90 minutes against Tottenham in the final match before the break. Ruggeri is expected to fill the void left by Lucas Digne, who joined PSG, and he's likely to remain Villa's No. 1 option at left-back for as long as Ian Maatsen (ankle) remains out.
Joins Aston Villa
Ruggeri has completed a permanent transfer to Aston Villa from Atletico Madrid, the club announced.
Analysis: Ruggeri came through Atalanta's academy, making over 100 appearances and winning the Europa League with the club in 2024 before moving to Atletico last summer. The 24-year-old left back has represented Italy at multiple youth levels and has received a senior call up, though he has yet to make his debut for the Azzurri. Ruggeri is expected to compete with Ian Maatsen for the starting left back role. His move to the Premier League brings continental pedigree and international experience to Villa's defensive options.
Seven crosses Saturday
Ruggeri registered one shot (zero on goal), seven crosses (two accurate) and three chances created in Saturday's 1-0 loss to Celta Vigo.
Analysis: Ruggeri recorded seven crosses in Saturday's loss, tied for his second most in a match this season. He also created a team-high three chances, providing nice service to his teammates throughout the match. The left back has three assists in La Liga this season -- all of which have come in his last six appearances -- and he'll look to add to that tally Tuesday at Osasuna.
Trains Friday, could return
Ruggeri (undisclosed) was spotted training Friday and could be an option for Saturday's clash against Athletic Club, according to Ainhoa Sanchez of Radio Marca.
Analysis: Ruggeri had been unable to train on the pitch earlier in the week and missed Wednesday's fixture against Elche as a result, making his return to the training ground a positive development heading into the weekend. The left-back should push to regain his starting role if he comes through Friday's session without any issues, with Julio Diaz having stepped in to cover against the Franjiverdes. Atletico will make a final call on his involvement ahead of Saturday's kickoff.
Clears doubt, available Wednesday
Ruggeri (undisclosed) was not mentioned in the injury report during the press conference and is therefore available for Wednesday's clash against Elche, according to coach Diego Simeone.
Analysis: Ruggeri had been a doubt after being spotted working in the gym Tuesday, but his absence from the injury report is a clean bill of health heading into the midweek fixture. The left-back should slot back into his starting role in the upcoming fixtures, although Julio Diaz can also see some increased playing time if coach Diego Simeone wants to rest his left-back.
Working in gym, doubtful Wednesday
Ruggeri (undisclosed) was working in the gym Tuesday and is a doubt for Wednesday's clash against Elche, according to Pascual Ruiz Arnal of Marca.
Analysis: Ruggeri's absence from the training pitch heading into the midweek fixture is a concern for Atletico with no details provided on the nature of the issue. If he cannot be cleared in time, Julio Diaz could be handed only his second La Liga start of his career against the Franjiverdes, with coach Diego Simeone needing to find a solution at left-back for a fixture that remains important in the final stretch of the La Liga season although the focus is clearly on the Champions League semifinals against Arsenal starting next week.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare