Aston Villa rocked by fresh injury blow as six players ruled out v Newcastle United

Emi Buendia is among the Aston Villa players ruled out of this evening’s Premier League opener against Newcastle United (kick-off 5:30pm).

In a club statement released by the Midlands club, it was confirmed the 26-year-old had sustained a knee ligament injury during training on Wednesday. Unai Emery later revealed during his pre-match press conference that the midfielder was facing up to eight months on the sidelines.

“It’s a six, seven, or eight-month injury,” said the Spaniard. He added: “It’s the worst in football for the player, for us, for the club, for the teammates. Last year we had Diego Carlos, it was different. Yesterday, it was the last action in the training he [Buendia] had an injury.

“He is now visiting the doctors to take the best decision, but it’s a ligament concern. Of course, now, we have to support him and try to recover as soon as possible.”

In the same answer, Emery also ruled out a further five players.

He said: “The same players who were out, [Leon] Dendoncker, Alex Moreno, Jacob Ramsey, Bertrand Traore, Tim Iroegbunam. We are ready with the players we are working with, and after the bad news yesterday we have to react.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle are set to welcome back Fabian Schar after he missed the final three games of pre-season with a hamstring injury.

Eddie Howe is without Joe Willock until after the September international break. The former Arsenal midfielder sustained a hamstring injury during the penultimate game of last season and recently suffered a set back.

Emil Krafth also remains sidelined and won’t train for another four to six weeks as continues his recovery from an ACL injury.