Unfortunately for Leon Goretzka, Aston Villa FC and their supporters everywhere, the summer signing has ruled himself out for the next few weeks. The Villa debut, for the 31-year-old German international, has now been further delayed.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest FYIs
Kickoff: Sat. 12, 3 pm, Villa Park, Birmingham, UK
Result Probability via Google: Aston Villa win 42% Draw 28% Nottingham Forest win 30%
Premier League Form, Standings: Aston Villa LLD, 17th, 1 pt Nottingham Forest LDD, 16th, 2 pts
Goretzka posted the following message on his social media:
“Dear Villans, first of all, thank you for the incredible welcome. After my first few days at this club, the feeling that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be has grown stronger with each passing day. Unfortunately, my body has reacted to the increased workload after my time away from the pitch. It’s frustrating, but I need this short break now to come back at full strength.”
The midfielder won’t be back until after the international break, which this year is a merging of the traditional September and October breaks.
Goretzka is battling a knee injury right now. Meanwhile Matty Cash is a doubt due to muscular tightness, so he’ll need to pass a late fitness test in order to make the matchday squad here.
Johan Manzambi is another one of Villa’s summer transfer window additions who has yet to debut. He still hasn’t recovered fully from the knee injury that has kept him sidelined for awhile.
Manager Unai Emery gave the following update on Manzambi, earlier this week:
“He’s training with the group, and he’s progressively getting better, feeling good. But he will need some more days for Tuesday in the Champions League or for our next match against Nottingham Forest at home.”
It’s possible that he could feature this weekend, but not extremely likely. And then finally, Joao Gomes is unavailable, as he will finish serving out his three match ban here.
Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network, Ratings and RG. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and the Washington Post.