Alysson misses Tottenham trip with minor injury as Manzambi handed debut

Alysson has been left out of Aston Villa's squad for today's Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur because of a minor injury, Birmingham Live reports. The Brazilian winger is the only player to have found the net for Unai Emery's side in the league so far this campaign, having equalised during last weekend's 2-1 home defeat by Nottingham Forest.

With no further league action until the visit of Brentford in three weeks' time, the expectation is that Alysson will be available when domestic football resumes. His absence leaves Villa short of their sole Premier League goalscorer across the opening four matches, following draws and defeats that included a goalless stalemate at Hull City and a narrow loss to Arsenal at Villa Park.

Emery has responded by handing Johan Manzambi his first full start. The Switzerland international, who arrived from SC Freiburg in July, takes a place in the attacking line-up alongside Nicolas Jackson, Emiliano Buendía and John McGinn. Joao Gomes is also deemed fit enough to begin in central midfield next to Boubacar Kamara, while Matty Cash is restricted to a place among the substitutes.

Zion Suzuki continues in goal behind a defence featuring Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Tyrone Mings and Matteo Ruggeri. Alejandro Garnacho, Tammy Abraham, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Ibrahim Mbaye are all named on the bench for the lunchtime kick-off at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Villa travel to north London buoyed by Wednesday's 3-1 Carabao Cup victory at Coventry City but seeking their first Premier League win since the opening day of the season. The summer transfer window closed on 1 September, meaning any further squad adjustments must wait until January 2027.