BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) – Premier League title contenders Aston Villa will be without Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans for eight to 10 weeks, manager Unai Emery announced Wednesday.
Tielemans, 28, was injured in Sunday’s 2-0 win against Newcastle at St James’ Park. With this win, third-placed Villa are now four points behind leaders Arsenal.
Wednesday’s announcement comes amid other midfield injury concerns for Emery, with Boubacar Kamara expected to miss the rest of the season and captain John McGinn also currently sidelined.
In view of these absences, Villa have signed Brazilian midfielder Douglas Ruiz from Juventus on a loan deal until the end of the season. He played for Villa from 2019 to 2024, making 204 appearances.
On Thursday, Villa host Salzburg in their final Europa League group game. The English club and Lyon are the only two teams to qualify directly for the round of 16 with one game remaining.
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