Aaron Wan-Bissaka injury rules him out for at least 3 weeks against Aston Villa

Aston Villa have suffered another blow as defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka is set to be sidelined for at least 3 weeks due to a hamstring injury, according to The Athletic.

The 28-year-old player underwent medical tests following his injury during Aston Villa's win over Newcastle United by a goal to nil last Saturday, as he left the pitch in the second half. Initial estimates suggest he will miss the team's upcoming matches.

The injury exacerbates Aston Villa's crisis at left-back, with Ian Maatsen sidelined due to an ankle injury, and Matteo Ruggeri also struggling with a hamstring injury, which is expected to keep him out for two months. Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been filling in at left-back to cover for the duo, while manager Unai Emery was forced to deploy centre-back Tyrone Mings in that position during the closing minutes of the match against Newcastle.

Unai Emery said after the match: "It is a hamstring injury. He performed brilliantly when we needed him against Brentford and Fenerbahçe and today. Different players are suffering from injuries, and the competitions are tough."

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is unlikely to feature against Norwegian Vikings in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, leaving the team without a specialist left-back. However, Matty Cash returned to group training this week, a step that boosts hopes of his return soon.

In related news, Johan Manzambi suffered an injury from a challenge during the Newcastle match, but MRI results came back positive, with optimism about his potential return soon, despite confirmation of his absence for the Fenerbahçe match.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka has joined Aston Villa on loan from West Ham United last summer, and he has featured in 9 matches for his new team this season, mostly in his primary position as a right-back, while also filling in at left-back when needed.

These injuries leave Emery with limited options in the full-back positions, with Lamari Bogarde likely to replace Matty Cash on the right side, while the coaching staff hopes to recover Matsen quickly to avoid relying on John McGinn or Mings at left-back.