Aston Villa vs HSK Zrinjski Mostar: Villa team news as two doubtful and four injured for European clash
Aston Villa were beaten 3-2 by Legia Warszawa in their Europa Conference League opener
The fixture marks Villa’s first European tie at home since the days of Martin O’Neil and the West Midlands outfit are currently viewed as the bookmakers favourites to win the entire tournament.
Unai Emery’s men have had a mixed start to the campaign which has seen them comfortably beat the likes of Everton, Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Brighton in the league. But they have also suffered disappointing losses to Newcastle, Liverpool, Legia Warszawa and more recently Everton in the Carabao Cup.
Villa’s most recent performance was their finest of the season, with a thumping 6-1 victory over high-flying Brighton in the Premier League.
The Villains come into the game full of confidence, and their boss has had previous success in European games with both Villarreal and Sevilla.
The demands of European competitions, on the other hand, may often put a team’s squad depth to the test, and Villa are no exception, as they are now suffering with a slew of injury concerns.
With that in mind we have rounded up all of the latest injury news ahead of Villa’s European clash.
Moussa Diaby
Moussa Diaby was subbed off during the 6-1 win over Brighton with a slight knock. He is still hopeful of starting in the Europa Conference League but could face a late fitness check.
Possible return: Zrinski (5 October)
Boubacar Kamara
Boubac Kamara also left the field at the end of Villa’s victory over Brighton, but he is expected to play a part in Emery’s team for the upcoming European test.
He also faces a late fitness test ahead of the game against Zrinski.
Possible return: Zrinski (5 October)
Alex Moreno
Alex Moreno was a key component of Villa’s revival last season and he firmly established himself as the club’s first choice left back at the end of last season.
However, he is currently carrying an injury which will likely leave him out for a further two weeks and he is not expected to return until after the international break against West Ham.
Possible return: West Ham (22 October)
Leon Bailey
Leon Bailey limped off with an injury during Villa’s shock cup defeat to Everton and he is currently making his way back to fitness.
He is likely to return after the international break in two weeks time against West Ham.
Possible return: West Ham (22 October)
Tyrone Mings
Tyrone Mings is a huge leader at the heart of the defence and his injury against Newcastle on the opening day came as a huge blow.
Mings is likely to miss a number of months and an exact timescale on his return has not yet been determined.
Possible return: Unknown
Emi Buendia
Emi Buendia was often seen as key game changer from the subs bench towards the end of last season, but he looks set to have a lengthy period on the sidelines after a pre-season injury.
The exact timing of his return has not yet been revealed.
Possible return: Unknown
