Aston Villa suffer Amadou Onana setback ahead of Liverpool showdown

Aston Villa will head into a pivotal Premier League encounter against Liverpool on Friday night without the services of Amadou Onana, dealing a fresh blow to their midfield stability at a crucial stage of the season.

The Belgian international remains sidelined after sustaining an injury during the first leg of Villa’s UEFA Europa League semi-final tie against Nottingham Forest.

Since then, he has been absent from key fixtures, including the league clash with Tottenham Hotspur, the decisive European return leg, and last weekend’s trip to Burnley.

His continued absence strips Villa of a commanding presence in midfield, particularly against a Liverpool side known for its intensity and pressing.

Manager Unai Emery confirmed Onana’s unavailability during his pre-match press briefing, offering little optimism on an immediate return. “We have the same players out,” he said.

“Amadou Onana is not available for tomorrow, Alysson as well is not, Kamara as well is not. But other players should be ready to play tomorrow.”

Onana’s absence is compounded by injuries to Boubacar Kamara and Alysson, leaving Emery with limited options in central midfield.

Kamara’s long-term injury has already forced tactical adjustments in recent weeks, and the continued unavailability of both players increases the burden on Villa’s remaining squad members to deliver against elite opposition.

Despite the setbacks, Villa have shown resilience domestically and in Europe, but the visit of Liverpool presents a significantly sterner examination.

Emery will likely rely on squad depth and tactical flexibility to navigate the challenge, with Villa Park expected to provide a charged atmosphere under the lights.

With the season entering its decisive phase, Villa’s ability to cope without key figures such as Onana could prove decisive in shaping their ambitions both in the league and the continental final.