Aston Villa’s concern on one of their stars’ potential absence has been saved by the current political issue.
Aston Villa’s current star who has instantly been the key man in their system, Zion Suzuki, was expected to be absent for at least about a month next year. His nation, Japan, is set to compete in AFC Asian Cup 2027, which was supposed to be held in early January to early February in Saudi Arabia.
However, the current political issue in the Middle East has been concerning, including in Saudi, and has led to military conflict. Such led to the decision taken by the Asian governing body to postpone the competition, as reported in BBC.
“The decision to reschedule had been taken “in light of the current exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region, including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions. The new dates of the tournament will be presented to Fifa for approval.”
The tournament was initially held on January 7 to February 5, 2027. However, the ongoing attack in the Saudi region from Houthi, the Yemen-political movement, including missiles and drone attack, has put all sporting agenda in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi, in danger. Saudi’s support to Yemen’s current government, which is the opposition to Iran-backed Houthi, could cost their own future, including modern Saudi vision.
Consequently, not only Asian Cup 2027 is postponed but also the Saudi Pro League, as well as the Asian-Tour golf and Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition. The major continental football competition will take place from December 23 2027 to January 21 2028.
This is definitely good news for Villa, which could have been without Suzuki for eight games, six Premier League matches plus the last two fixtures in the UEFA Champions league phase. The 24-year-old shot stopper could focus on his work with the club without any international games during the crucial stage of the season.
Moreover, this delay could buy Villa more time to prepare Suzuki’s cover for the tournament at the end of 2027. Previously, Unai Emery’s side was concerned about his deputy, Marco Bizot, whose form has been degrading compared to last season, especially after his double errors in Bournemouth loss in Carabao Cup last week. This postponement would let Villa do a more extensive search to find his replacement while letting Bizot see out his contract in summer 2027.
It would be interesting to see if Villa would opt to find more experienced profile from those whose contract also expire in the summer next year or integrate their loanee who has been in form with Vitoria Guimares, Oliwier Zych, next season. Either option would be considerable as The Lions still hope to finish high in the league, preferably sealing UCL spot again consecutively.
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