Johan Manzambi injury update as Unai Emery waits on Aston Villa debut

Johan Manzambi won’t be fit to face Brighton on Sunday, but Unai Emery is happy with how the Aston Villa midfielder is progressing from a knee injury. The Switzerland international suffered the problem during the World Cup and visited a knee specialist to aid his recovery after joining Villa. Signed for £52 million, Manzambi became Villa’s record arrival, replacing Morgan Rogers, who joined Chelsea for £117 million - a record for a British player. Ahead of Villa’s Premier League opener against Brighton, Emery was asked to provide an update on the 20-year-old. “Manzambi, he came with one injury and he is progressing very well.

He is working on the field - it is positive, his progression.” Questioned if he would return soon, Emery responded: “He is not available for Sunday.” Manzambi scored three goals in four World Cup appearances this summer but missed Switzerland's Round of 16 and quarter-final matches against Colombia and Argentina through injury. After breaking into Freiburg's first team during the 2024/25 season, he established himself as one of the Bundesliga's most exciting young players last term. He scored five goals and provided five assists in 27 league appearances, while also featuring in all 15 of Freiburg's Europa League matches during their run to the final.