Aaron Wan-Bissaka
AVL
Right Back
Left Back
Possession Builder
Nov 26, 1997 (28)
Right
6'0"
159 lb
Ruled out for three to four weeks
Wan-Bissaka (hamstring) has been ruled out for three to four weeks after sustaining an injury during Saturday's 1-0 Premier League victory over Newcastle United, according to coach Unai Emery, per John Townley of Birmingham Live.
Analysis: Wan-Bissaka faces a spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury during the closing stages of Saturday's victory over Newcastle. The defender was forced off late in the second half despite delivering a strong performance, with coach Emery initially expressing concerns about a potential muscular problem. The manager has now confirmed that Wan-Bissaka is expected to miss between three and four weeks. His absence represents a setback for Villa's defensive rotation, particularly with Matteo Ruggeri (hamstring) also sidelined. However, Ian Maatsen (ankle) returned to team training Tuesday and could provide an additional option in defense, although he may need time to regain full match fitness. Wan-Bissaka will likely target a return in mid-to-late November, depending on his rehabilitation progress.
Tending to hamstring injury
Wan-Bissaka is believed to have suffered a hamstring injury, manager Unai Emery told media after Saturday's 1-0 win over Newcastle United. "I think it's hamstring for [Wan-Bissaka]. He played fantastic."
Analysis: Wan-Bissaka left the game late in the second half, and while further tests are needed to confirm the injury, a hamstring injury could sideline the defender for several weeks. However, Emery confirmed that Ian Maatsen (ankle) is expected to resume training with the group in the coming days, so he could take his place at right-back.
Exits with apparent injury Saturday
Wan-Bissaka exited Saturday's game against Newcastle United with an apparent injury.
Analysis: The specifics of the injury are uncertain, but Wan-Bissaka left the contest with an injury midway through the second half and was replaced by Pau Torres. Villa are dealing with an injury crisis when it comes to full-backs, so Torres could be a last-minute emergency option if Wan-Bissaka is forced to miss time. His status should be uncertain for Wednesday's match against Viking in the UCL.
Solid at left-back in clean sheet
Wan-Bissaka registered two tackles (one won), three clearances and two interceptions in Wednesday's 6-0 win against Fenerbahce.
Analysis: Wan-Bissaka earned a start on the left flank against Fenerbahce after taking over for Matteo Ruggeri at the interval in his previous appearance. The full-back produced a stout defensive display, registering two tackles, two interceptions, two blocks and three clearances to help Aston Villa keep their first clean sheet with him in the side. With Ruggeri sidelined for an extended period and Ian Maatsen still recovering from an ankle injury, with another two weeks until he returns, Wan-Bissaka looks likely to hold the role for now, though coach Unai Emery could look at other solutions during a packed schedule.
Sees 45 minutes off bench
Wan-Bissaka generated two tackles (one won), two clearances and one interception in Saturday's 2-2 draw against Brentford.
Analysis: Wan-Bissaka entered at halftime following Matteo Ruggeri's injury, contributing two tackles, two clearances and one interception during his 45 minutes on the pitch. The defender had started Villa's previous three Premier League matches before being moved to the bench for Saturday's encounter. He has accumulated 11 tackles, six interceptions and eight clearances across five league appearances, including two starts. His ability to operate on either defensive flank could prove valuable if Ruggeri faces an extended absence, potentially opening the door for Wan-Bissaka to regain a starting role.
Settling into starting role
Wan-Bissaka has started in Aston Villa's last three matches between the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
Analysis: Wan-Bissaka joined Villa late in the transfer window but hasn't needed much time to adjust to life at Villa Park. In those three starts, a span in which Villa have posted a W2, L1 record, Wan-Bissaka has notched 80 passes, 10 tackles, six interceptions and 11 clearances while also creating two chances and sending five crosses. His ability to impact both ends of the pitch should keep him as the starter on the right side of Villa's defense for now.
Decent defensive shift in loss
Wan-Bissaka recorded one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-1 defeat against Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Wan-Bissaka made three interceptions, four clearances and five tackles (two won) across 90 minutes as Villa's right-back, effectively containing Dan Ndoye throughout a match where the Forest winger registered five shots but only one on target in their direct duel. He also had one inaccurate cross from his only delivery attempt, keeping his focus primarily on defensive duties. Wan-Bissaka has started the last two games across all competition for Aston Villa and will continue to do so until Matty Cash (undisclosed) returns from injury.
Makes Aston Villa debut
Wan-Bissaka recorded two tackles (one won) in Monday's 1-0 defeat against Arsenal.
Analysis: Wan-Bissaka replaced Matty Cash in the 78th minute Monday, making his club debut after joining on loan before the season. He won one tackle and winning two duels in his 12 minutes of action. He may find it difficult to start over Matty Cash when both are healthy, but Wan-Bissaka should still see a decent amount of playing time even if he's not a regular starter.
Joins Aston Villa on loan
Wan-Bissaka has joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan from West Ham, with a conditional obligation to buy, the club announced.
Analysis: Wan-Bissaka came through Crystal Palace's academy before spending five seasons at Manchester United, where he won the FA Cup and EFL Cup and made nearly 200 appearances, then joined West Ham for the previous two seasons. He recorded 33 tackles, 40 interceptions and 94 clearances across 25 Premier League appearances last season. The DR Congo international featured at the 2026 World Cup and is expected to provide competition for Matty Cash at right back.
Shines despite loss
Wan-Bissaka had one cross (zero accurate) and five tackles in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat against Colombia.
Analysis: Wan-Bissaka was DR Congo's most impressive defensive performer in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat to Colombia, winning three of his five tackles and registering three interceptions across his 90 minutes as the right wingback in a system that required him to track Johan Mojica's overlapping runs while also contributing in transition. The right-back completed 15 passes and made two duels wins in what was a disciplined and combative performance that demonstrated why he remains one of the best one-on-one defenders in the competition, with his tackling success rate the highest of any outfield player on the pitch from either side. His defensive intensity, one-on-one ability and work rate along the right flank make him DR Congo's most reliable defensive option in the wide areas, and his performances across both group games have reinforced his importance to a Leopards side that will need every defensive asset available in the must-win finale against Uzbekistan.
Two crosses from right-back
Wan-Bissaka recorded two crosses (zero accurate) and two tackles in Wednesday's 1-1 draw versus Portugal.
Analysis: Wan-Bissaka sent in a pair of crosses during Wednesday's draw, doing well in his limited chances to get forward. In a match that Portugal largely controlled, Wan-Bissaka had few chances to get forward but he at least sent in search passes when he did get forward. Wan-Bissaka has more offensive upside if he's given the chance to push against lesser opposition.
Key role on right flank
Wan-Bissaka has been named in Congo's World Cup squad and is expected to start at right-back under coach Sebastien Desabre.
Analysis: Wan-Bissaka contributed two assists alongside 33 tackles and 40 interceptions across 25 Premier League appearances this season, delivering a well-rounded performance level that highlights his defensive quality and his growing influence in the attacking phase. His ability to read the game, win duels and provide defensive cover makes him one of the more reliable full-back options at the tournament, while his crossing and overlapping runs give Congo an additional attacking outlet down the right flank. For Congo, Wan-Bissaka provides the right-back position with a Premier League-tested option whose defensive solidity and improving attacking contribution give coach Sebastien Desabre a dependable presence on that side of the pitch throughout what promises to be a demanding group stage.
Option again after absence
Wan-Bissaka is an option to play again after he was kept in Congo following their qualification for the World Cup, according to The Standard.
Analysis: Wan-Bissaka was not in the club's return match from the international break after he was kept in Congo to celebrate with his teammates following their first World Cup qualification since 1974. However, the full-back is now set to rejoin his team and play again, having trained with his teammates on Tuesday. This will give the club their starting right-back available again, likely to return to that role immediately as they face Wolves on Friday.
Records two crosses
Wan-Bissaka recorded two crosses (zero accurate) and three tackles in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Manchester City.
Analysis: Wan-Bissaka would enter the starting XI again after sitting on the bench for an FA Cup match, seeing the start at right-back. He would see two crosses in the attack, not his best day, as his team was forced to defend most of the match. He also added three clearances and three tackles in the defense.
Makes five clearances in draw
Wan-Bissaka recorded five clearances, two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 0-0 draw versus Bournemouth.
Analysis: Wan-Bissaka was involved mostly in defensive work as his team managed to obtain another point and clean sheet despite giving up ball possession. The right-back has completed 90 minutes in each of the last six league games while delivering two assists in one of those outings. In terms of defensive production, he's now averaging 4.4 clearances, 2.9 balls recovered and 1.7 interceptions per match over the current Premier League campaign.
Brace of assist
Wan-Bissaka assisted twice to go with two crosses (one accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 3-2 defeat versus Chelsea.
Analysis: Wan-Bissaka was involved in both goals for West Ham on Saturday with two assists while also winning two tackles and producing two shots on target. Since his return from injury, the defender has started the last three league appearances, winning five tackles, one blocked shot and three key passes.
Plays full 90 in return
Wan-Bissaka started and played 90 minutes in Sunday's 2-1 win over QPR.
Analysis: Wan-Bissaka returned from international duty this week and was on the field immediately, with the defender starting on the right in FA Cup play and playing the full 90 minutes. This comes after close to a month out, set to now take part in every match moving forward. He has only missed two starts all season when fit and should remain a starter on the right moving forward.
Ends international duty
Wan-Bissaka is heading back to London after completing his international duty with DR of Congo at the AFCON and should be back available for the clash against Tottenham on Jan. 17.
Analysis: Wan-Bissaka was eliminated with DR of Congo from the AFCON and will now head back to London and be back available for West Ham United moving forward. The right back has been an undisputed starter for the Hammers prior to his international duty and should claim back that role against Tottenham on Jan. 17.
Off with Congo
Wan-Bissaka has been called up by the DR of Congo for AFCON and is unavailable for the next few weeks.
Analysis: Wan-Bissaka is going to leave a gap in the team for West Ham over the next couple of weeks, as the defender is serving at AFCON. Unfortunately for the club, this will mean they are without their starting right-back, leaving a hole to be filled. That said, Kyle Walker-Peters will likely earn more time while he is out, with Wan-Bissaka likely to return mid-January, depending on his national team's results.
Creates four chances Sunday
Wan-Bissaka had one cross (one accurate) and four chances created in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Brighton.
Analysis: Wan-Bissaka, who had created six chances in his first 10 appearances of the season, created four in Sunday's draw with Brighton. He also recorded one accurate cross on the attack. He played well on the defensive end too as he won four duels, made six clearances, intercepted three passes and won one tackle in his full 90 minutes of action.
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