Aston Villa will be without teenage forward Brian Madjo when they travel to face Club Brugge in the Champions League on Tuesday evening, according to Sports Mole. The youngster is managing an ankle problem that is expected to keep him out of action until later this month, with 19 September and the visit of Tottenham Hotspur earmarked as a potential comeback date.
The report suggests Madjo could return to training before the upcoming international break, offering some encouragement for a squad already stretched by fitness issues. His absence leaves Unai Emery with fewer attacking options for the European fixture in Belgium, where Villa are meeting Club Brugge for the fourth time across two Champions League campaigns.
Midfielder Amadou Onana is facing a far more serious layoff after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. The damage occurred while he was representing Belgium at the 2026 World Cup, meaning a prolonged spell on the treatment table lies ahead.
Summer signing Johan Manzambi is also working his way back to full fitness. The playmaker hurt his knee during Switzerland's own World Cup involvement and, although progress is being made, Emery has indicated the new arrival may need further patience before making his first appearance for the club. A return around 12 September, when Nottingham Forest visit Villa Park, appears to be the current target.
In brighter news, Joao Gomes is eligible to make his Champions League debut on Tuesday. While the Brazil international may still be serving a suspension that applies to Premier League matches, European competition rules allow him to feature in Belgium.
Emery will be hoping a solid defensive record — just one goal conceded in two league outings so far — provides a platform for a positive result on the continent, even if his side are still searching for their first Premier League goal of the campaign following Saturday's draw with Hull City.
