Aston Villa wonderkid Brian Madjo snubbed for Champions League as Unai Emery makes big promise

Unai Emery has backed Aston Villa teenager Brian Madjo to get his chance on the Champions League stage, insisting the 17-year-old’s omission from the club’s European squad is only a temporary setback.

Madjo was among the notable absentees from Villa’s squad for the league phase of this season’s Champions League, despite making a striking impression in the UEFA Super Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain last month. The teenage forward delivered an eye-catching display and scored in Villa’s narrow defeat to the French champions, but an injury has since ruled him out of action.

With Villa preparing for their return to Europe’s premier club competition, Emery acknowledged the difficulty of leaving young players out but stressed that Madjo’s development remains a long-term priority.

“Madjo is 17 years old, still being so, so young, and of course he will have more opportunities to play with us this year or the next year in Europe.”

Emery refuses to rush Villa wonderkid

Born in London to Cameroonian parents, he is the son of Cameroonian footballer Guy Madjo.

Madjo’s exclusion is particularly notable given the confidence Emery showed in him during the Super Cup, where the youngster seized his opportunity against one of Europe’s strongest sides.

However, Villa had to make difficult decisions when submitting their squad for the Champions League’s eight league-phase matches. Alongside Madjo, new signings Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Modou Keba Cisse were also left out.

Emery explained that the decisions were reached after detailed consideration, while stressing that missing out this time does not mean the players’ European opportunities are over.

“It’s hard for the decision we took and for the players too,” Emery said ahead of Saturday’s trip to Hull.

“We decided trying to analyse everything deeply. Taylor signed here for a long time. He stays here for a long time, and hopefully they will have again opportunity to play in Europe with us. Hopefully after January, maybe, or the next years.”

The comments underline Emery’s belief that Madjo has time on his side. At just 17, the youngster remains at the beginning of his senior career, and the Villa boss appears unwilling to place unnecessary pressure on a player who has already shown glimpses of his potential.

Johan Manzambi nearing Champions League return

Villa could receive a boost elsewhere, with Johan Manzambi making progress in his recovery from a knee injury.

The new signing has yet to make his debut since arriving at Villa Park, but Emery revealed that the Swiss international has returned to group training and could be available for next week’s Champions League opener against Club Brugge.

“He is training with the group and is professionally getting better, feeling good. But he will need some days more,” Emery said.

Manzambi’s potential return would provide another option for Emery as Villa attempt to recover from a difficult opening to the domestic campaign.

Villa facing major rebuild

Villa’s early struggles have come against the backdrop of significant changes to Emery’s squad.

The core of the team that ended a 30-year wait for silverware by winning the Europa League last season has been heavily disrupted, with Ollie Watkins, Youri Tielemans, Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rodgers, Emi Martinez and Lucas Digne all departing.

Those exits have left Emery rebuilding a side that had developed into a consistent force in English football and a regular presence in European competition.

Villa have subsequently endured a difficult start to the new Premier League season, losing their opening two matches against Brighton and Arsenal.

Yet Emery’s decision to retain faith in Madjo reflects the broader rebuilding process underway at Villa. While the teenager will not be part of the club’s initial Champions League campaign, the Spaniard is convinced his opportunity at the highest level will arrive.