Is Johan Manzambi Set for his Debut Against Forest?
Johan Manzambi could finally be in line for his first Aston Villa appearance this weekend, with Unai Emery set to decide on the forward’s involvement after Friday’s training session at Bodymoor Heath.
Manzambi has been waiting for his debut since arriving at the club in the summer. He was substituted in the 70th minute of Switzerland’s 2-0 World Cup win over Algeria and has not played since, with the knee issue picked up in that match still troubling him when he signed for Villa. He travelled to Spain to work with knee specialist Jurdan Mendiguchia before returning to full training in the past couple of weeks. Emery gave the clearest sign yet on Friday that a first appearance is now within reach.
“Manzambi is progressively getting better, training with us this week and we’ll see how he’s going to train today, to feel today,” said the Villa boss. “For tomorrow, is the decision I’ll take after the training session.”
Manzambi has been seen in training pictures for the past couple of weeks, and was pictured in the winning training five-a-side team today. It’s likely he will at least start on the bench against Forest.
Other Villa Injury News
Matty Cash is also being monitored, having missed Tuesday’s Champions League win at Club Brugge through injury. Emery indicated the full-back is close to a return.
“It’s difficult, but we will train now this afternoon and we’ll check him (Cash) in case he’s getting better,” Emery said. “It’s a small injury but he needed some days and today we’re going to test him.”
Elsewhere, João Gomes will serve the final match of his three-match suspension against Forest, while Leon Goretzka, Brian Madjo and Amadou Onana remain sidelined for Saturday’s game (kick-off 3pm).
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