Brian Madjo
AVL
Center Forward
Playmaking Forward
Jan 12, 2009 (17)
Right
6'4"
165 lb
Building fitness ahead of Brentford
Madjo has been training with Aston Villa's first-team squad ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against Brentford, according to coach Unai Emery. "Other players like Goretzka and Madjo, they are as well training with us, with the group. They joined us last week, this week they are working with us."
Analysis: Madjo continues building his fitness after recently returning from the injury that had sidelined him since Aston Villa's UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The 17-year-old forward made his comeback during the international break, playing the second half of Villa's friendly victory over Sevilla, and has now been training regularly with the first-team squad. He could be in contention for Saturday's match against Brentford, although his involvement remains unconfirmed. Madjo faces significant competition for attacking minutes from Nicolas Jackson and Tammy Abraham, making a substitute role his most likely route back into competitive action.
Plays second half in comeback
Madjo returned from injury Friday and came on for Tammy Abraham at half time in Aston Villa's friendly win over Sevilla in the Antonio Puerta Trophy.
Analysis: The 17-year-old had been sidelined since the UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, where he scored on his competitive debut and looked primed to press for a regular starting role before injury halted his momentum. He now faces a tough battle for attacking minutes behind Nicolas Jackson and Abraham, and his omission from the Champions League squad means his opportunities will likely be confined to domestic action for now.
Returns to group training
Madjo (undisclosed) was among the players training Wednesday as Aston Villa began their mid-season camp in Spain, according to John Townley.
Analysis: Madjo's involvement in training marks his first group work since the issue he picked up shortly after the Super Cup. The camp gives him around 10 days of collective training before Aston Villa's return against Brentford on Saturday, Oct. 10, which puts that fixture within reach if he comes through the week without a setback. With Nicolas Jackson now in the squad, Madjo is set to serve more as a backup, making minutes off the bench the likelier route back into the side.
Travels with Villa for training camp
Madjo (undisclosed) is traveling with Aston Villa for their mid-season training camp, with the club set to face Sevilla on Friday after playing Southampton behind closed doors last week and suggesting that the striker is getting closer to a return, according to John Townley of Birmingham Live.
Analysis: Madjo had recently returned to collective training during the international break after previously working individually, an important step given he had not featured since starting and scoring against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup. His inclusion on this trip now suggests he is progressing well, though club record signing Nicolas Jackson's arrival makes it harder for him to command a starting role in the coming weeks.
Set for full training during break
Madjo will return to collective training during the international break and could be available once it concludes, coach Unai Emery said, per Birmingham Live. "Now he is still working alone, but in this break, he is going to join us collectively and hopefully then after the break [he will play],".
Analysis: Madjo has not featured since starting and scoring against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, with an injury keeping him out of Aston Villa's opening six matches. The 17-year-old is now set to return to full group training during the international break, which represents a significant step toward availability after working individually. His omission from the Champions League squad means his competitive opportunities remain limited to domestic football, though club-record signing Nicolas Jackson's arrival makes it harder for the 17-year-old to command the starting role his performance against PSG had put him in contention for.
Out for a few more weeks
Madjo (undisclosed) will remain sidelined for another couple of weeks, according to the club.
Analysis: Madjo is set to remain sidelined for several more weeks as he continues his recovery from an undisclosed injury, ruling him out of Saturday's clash against Hull and Villa's upcoming fixtures. His absence leaves Villa with fewer options at center-forward, with Nicolas Jackson expected to start up front Saturday.
Doesn't make squad Monday
Madjo (undisclosed) is not in the squad for Monday's game against Arsenal.
Analysis: Madjo has been trending in the right direction in his recovery from an undisclosed injury, but this match against the Gunners comes too soon for him. His next chance to play will come against Hull City on Saturday, though he'll have to fight with Nicolas Jackson and Tammy Abraham for minutes upfront.
Unlikely to return Monday
Madjo is not expected to return to action in Monday's Premier League contest against Arsenal, according to the club.
Analysis: Madjo is set to miss another match after the injury also kept him out of the season opener against Brighton. The issue was previously described as minor, with manager Unai Emery indicating that the forward was approaching a return to team training, suggesting his absence should not be prolonged. With Nicolas Jackson now added to the attack, Madjo will face additional competition for minutes once he is cleared to return.
Nearing return
Madjo has a small injury but should soon be able to start training with the group, according to coach Unai Emery, per John Townley. "Madjo has a small injury and I think he can start training with us too, but will need some days more."
Analysis: Madjo's continued absence leaves the attack short of options, with Tammy Abraham also sidelined and uncertainty surrounding Ollie Watkins. The forward impressed during preseason with his pace, physicality and ability to threaten in behind before suffering the setback. Once fit, Madjo should provide a direct presence up front and could push for a starting role as he works his way back into the squad.
Suffers injury setback
Madjo is expected to miss the start of the season and could be out until at least September, according to The Athletic.
Analysis: Madjo picked up the injury following Wednesday's Super Cup loss to PSG, a match in which he had made history as the youngest player ever to score in the competition. His absence comes after a preseason that had been turning heads, with the youngster potentially in line for a significant role up top until Ollie Watkins is ready to start. Madjo is expected to undergo further scans to determine a more precise recovery timeline.
Makes history in UEFA Super Cup
Madjo scored a goal in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to PSG in the UEFA Super Cup.
Analysis: Madjo made history for the Villains in the loss to PSG, as he became the youngest player in UEFA Super Cup history to score a goal. The youngster has been turning heads in the preseason and could be in line for a big role with the club, at least until Ollie Watkins is ready to start upfront.
Cleared to play
Madjo has been cleared to play for Aston Villa after the club's appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport regarding his registration was upheld, according to the club.
Analysis: Madjo signed for Villa from Metz in January but had been unable to feature due to FIFA's rules on the international transfer of minors, given his upbringing in Luxembourg despite being born in London. The 17 year old striker has scored four goals in preseason so far, including a brace in the opening friendly against Walsall, and today's ruling means he is now officially registered and eligible to play in competitive matches for the club this season.
Signs with Aston Villa
Madjo has completed a transfer to Aston Villa from Metz, according to his new club.
Analysis: Madjo has moved from France to England after some time with Metz, signing a deal with Aston Villa. He has battled injuries this season, leading to less time, only starting twice in five appearances this season, and having yet to notch a goal contribution. That said, the young forward is likely to remain a reserve option for the time being, likely needing to work his way up outside of the first team.
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