Aston Villa hit by five absences ahead of Premier League clash
Aston Villa will be without five players for their Premier League fixture, with the squad already stretched following recent selection concerns highlighted around the club's Champions League commitments this week.
Leon Goretzka is sidelined with a knee injury, while Amadou Onana and Johan Manzambi are also unavailable with knee problems of their own. Brian Madjo is out with an ankle injury, adding a further absentee to the list.
Suspension adds to the list
Joao Gomes will also miss the match after picking up a red card, meaning Villa are without options across midfield and further forward as they prepare for the fixture.
With four matchdays of the season played, the timing of these absences means squad depth will be tested as Villa look to build on their early-season form in the Premier League.