Johan Manzambi is nearing his first competitive appearance for Aston Villa after returning to full training following a knee injury picked up during the World Cup. The 20-year-old midfielder, who joined the club during the summer transfer window, has been working with medical staff since making five goal contributions in four matches for Switzerland at the tournament.
Birmingham Live reported on 7 September that Manzambi had resumed group sessions at Bodymoor Heath but did not travel with the squad for the Champions League fixture against Club Brugge in Belgium. Speaking before that European tie, Unai Emery confirmed the player would not feature but offered an encouraging update on his rehabilitation. "No, but he is progressing very good," Emery said. "The doctor is keeping us with information about he is progressing medically. Normally, in a few days after tomorrow he will be available, but I don’t know about Saturday."
By 11 September, TEAMtalk reported that Emery intended to make a late assessment of the midfielder ahead of the Premier League meeting with Nottingham Forest. "Manzambi is getting better and has been training with us this week," Emery stated during his Friday press briefing. "How he feels today, for tomorrow, is the decision I will take after training."
Manzambi himself appears confident about his readiness. In a conversation with former team-mate Bruno Ogbus published by Swiss outlet Blue Sport, the midfielder outlined his expectations. "I’m doing great! I’m back to training full-time, and I should be able to play again this weekend," Manzambi said. "Maybe I’ll start. I hope I can play well. Maybe I’ll come off the bench, but I think I’ll get to play."
His potential introduction comes at a point where Villa are looking to build momentum in the Premier League, having taken one point from their opening three league matches. Emery noted that the domestic competition remains the priority while the club navigates involvement across multiple tournaments this season.
Elsewhere in the squad, Joao Gomes is available for selection after serving a two-match suspension. Taylor Harwood-Bellis will not feature having been omitted from the Champions League squad, while fellow new arrival Brian Madjo remains sidelined through injury and was also left out of the European party.
Alejandro Garnacho, another of the eleven players brought in during the summer window that closed on 1 September, continues to work towards his first league start. Emery praised the Argentine winger’s application, noting that consistent effort in training sessions is gradually improving his match readiness.
