Aston Villa's injury crisis has worsened significantly, with captain John McGinn set for a spell on the sidelines. The Scottish midfielder suffered a knee injury in Sunday's defeat to Everton and will miss Thursday's Europa League trip to Fenerbahce. Goalkeeper Emi Martinez and Boubacar Kamara are also absent, with reports suggesting Kamara could be out for the season.

The mounting absentees present a major challenge for manager Unai Emery. Villa's midfield is particularly depleted, with Kamara's potential long-term absence and McGinn's uncertain timeline compounding their issues. The club's European ambitions and Premier League campaign are now under pressure as they navigate a congested schedule without key personnel, testing their squad depth.

Meanwhile, Villa's transfer activity continues. They are pursuing Tammy Abraham at Besiktas, who have activated a purchase option, making a deal difficult. Leon Bailey has returned from his Roma loan after limited playing time. The club must address these recruitment challenges while managing their current injury crisis.