Key Takeaways:
- Youri Tielemans sustained an ankle injury during Aston Villa’s 2-0 victory at Newcastle on Sunday and is expected to be out for approximately eight weeks
- The midfielder’s absence adds to Villa’s current injury crisis, joining Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn, and Ross Barkley on the sidelines
- The club is holding active talks to bring former player Douglas Luiz back from Juventus, with other midfield transfer moves also explored
Midfield Injuries Pile Up at Villa Park
Youri Tielemans, who has played a significant role in Aston Villa’s rise to third in the Premier League this season, is now facing a lengthy period out after suffering an ankle injury. The 28-year-old Belgian was forced off in the second half of Villa’s 2-0 triumph at Newcastle on Sunday, after a challenge from Lewis Miley left him unable to continue. Lamare Bogarde was subsequently introduced as his replacement.
The injury setback means Tielemans is likely to be sidelined for approximately eight weeks, further exacerbating the club’s midfield dilemma. The list of absentees already includes Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn, and Ross Barkley, leaving Unai Emery with severely limited options in the centre of the pitch.
— Boubacar Kamara (out for the season)
— John McGinn (6 weeks out)
— Youri Tielemans (6+ weeks out-ish)How is your luck, Aston Villa football club?
Unbelievable. #AVFC pic.twitter.com/jWMcA8EkwQ
— Aston Villa Statto (@AVFCStatto) January 27, 2026
Villa Seeking Reinforcements with Douglas Luiz on the Radar
In a bid to address their depleted midfield, Aston Villa are now considering re-signing Douglas Luiz. According to Fabrizio Romano, the club is in active talks to bring the player back from Juventus, following his departure to the Italian club in 2024. Luiz has struggled for playing time at Juventus and was loaned to Nottingham Forest, though the stint at the City Ground has not proven successful, and he may depart before the transfer window closes next week.
Transfer Moves and Squad Depth Challenges
Unai Emery’s side looked to further reinforce the squad by pursuing Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid this month. However, the midfielder opted to join Tottenham instead, leaving Villa to continue their search for suitable reinforcements as they navigate a mounting injury list and a congested fixture schedule. Developments are expected as the transfer deadline approaches.
