Unai Emery has provided his clearest indication yet that Johan Manzambi could finally make his Aston Villa debut against Nottingham Forest this weekend.
The Swiss forward has been waiting for his first appearance since joining Villa during the summer, but a knee problem suffered during the World Cup has delayed his introduction to the team.
Now, after returning to full training in recent weeks, Manzambi appears to be getting closer to competitive action.
Emery offered an encouraging update ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture, suggesting that the decision over Manzambi’s involvement would be made after Friday’s training session at Bodymoor Heath.
“Manzambi is progressively improving, training with us this week, and we will see how he feels today,” Emery said.
The Villa boss added that the team selection would be decided following the final training session.
Manzambi could finally make the squad
Manzambi’s situation has been closely monitored since he arrived at Villa Park.
The 19-year-old was substituted in the 70th minute of Switzerland’s 2-0 World Cup victory over Algeria and has not featured since, with the knee issue still affecting him when he completed his move to Villa.
He subsequently travelled to Spain to work with knee specialist Jurdan Mendiguchia before returning to training with the Villa squad.
His presence in training photographs in recent weeks has offered further encouragement.
Manzambi was also pictured with the winning team from Friday’s five-a-side training session, another indication that he is progressing towards a return.
Although a starting role would appear unlikely, a place on the bench against Forest now looks like a realistic possibility if he comes through training without any reaction.
Aston Villa still have injury concerns
Manzambi is not the only player being assessed ahead of the weekend.
Matty Cash is also being monitored after missing Villa’s Champions League victory over Club Brugge because of a minor injury.
Emery indicated that the right-back could be close to returning, although the club wanted to assess him during Friday’s session.
“It is difficult, but we are going to train this afternoon and examine him to see if he is improving,” Emery explained.
The manager described Cash’s problem as a small injury but said the defender needed several days before being tested again.
Villa will therefore make late decisions on several players before facing Forest.
Goretzka and Onana remain unavailable
Leon Goretzka remains sidelined after suffering a knee problem shortly after arriving at Villa.
The midfielder is expected to return after the international break, meaning he will not be involved against Forest.
Brian Madjo and Amadou Onana are also unavailable.
João Gomes will miss the match as he serves the final game of his three-match suspension.
For Emery, the return of Manzambi could therefore provide another attacking option at an important stage of the season.
Villa secured their first win of the campaign in midweek, beating Club Brugge 3-2 in the Champions League, and will now look to carry that momentum into the Premier League.
The Aston Villa News BR verdict
Manzambi’s potential return is one of the more encouraging developments for Aston Villa ahead of the Forest match.
The club have been careful with the youngster since his knee problem, so simply being considered for the squad would represent another important step in his recovery.
It would be premature to expect a major contribution immediately. If he makes the bench, the priority should be giving him a controlled return rather than rushing him into a demanding role.
But after weeks of waiting, Manzambi finally appears to be on the verge of becoming an Aston Villa player on the pitch rather than just on the training ground.
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