Aston Villa were dealt a significant blow after learning that Youri Tielemans is expected to be out for around five more weeks with a calf injury.
The Belgium international captain has been absent since suffering the issue in the goalless draw at Everton last month. Reporting by The Athletic suggest he may return in late October or even after the November international break.
Tielemans has missed six matches across all competitions so far. His absence comes at an especially inconvenient moment, as the team had been building momentum after a difficult start.
Tielemans has been among Unai Emery’s most trusted midfielders. His ability to link play and progress the ball is central to Villa’s style.
In 2024/25 season, Tielemans made 53 appearances in all competitions and contributed five goals and 10 assists. Some of his notable performances includes a goal and assists against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. The Belgian also scored against Arsenal and Liverpool in the Premier League.
Those numbers and his overall influence earned him both the Supporters’ Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards at Villa.
Tielemans is regularly among Villa’s most incisive passers and is credited with bringing structure and control to transitions.
Apart from his attacking output, the Belgian also offers more than just attacking. His defensive contributions also stand out, notably his through pressing and recovery runs, with his midfield style in possession being compared to that of his countryman Kevin De Bruyne.
In his absence, Villa must adapt and look for options. Lamare Bogarde has stepped up in recent matches and has impressed in the double pivot alongside Boubacar Kamara.
When Kamara was out recently, it was John McGinn next to Bogarde. Emery described Bogarde’s performance as ‘fantastic’.
But the truth is it will be difficult for any of them to perfectly replicate the combination of vision, passing range, and balance that Tielemans brings to the role.
Tactically, Emery may have to continue to rework his system slightly, perhaps leaning on deeper build-up from defenders like Pau Torres. The midfield balance may be under scrutiny, especially against tougher Premier League opponents.
This latest setback highlights the importance of managing his return carefully and ensuring that he comes back at full strength instead of being rushed back prematurely.
Villa are set to face Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Liverpool in the coming weeks and the absence of Tielemans will be felt. The team and squad as a whole must continue to step up and keep their momentum.
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