Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has delivered the latest injury update on Emiliano Buendia ahead of his side’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United this weekend.
What’s the story?
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game, the Villa boss said: “Emi Buendia is a big doubt for Newcastle. He had a whack on his hip, he’s a big doubt for the weekend but we’ll see how the next 24 to 48 hours go.”
Fans will be worried
While Philippe Coutinho has come in and added to the creative ranks at Villa, being without Buendia against the Magpies on Sunday would certainly be a big setback for Gerrard.
As per Whoscored, out of players who have made more than five starts in the Premier League this season for Villa, Buendia ranks second among his teammates for shots per game, second for key passes, and top for dribbles.
Max Aarons, his former teammate at Norwich, has previously raved about Buendia’s abilities, saying: “He’s not really a player who will get on the ball and take you on as a full-back. His game is more about getting into pockets, playing neat passes and creating things.
“When you’ve got someone, who wants to run at you, then it’s easier to lock them down whereas someone like him is quite intricate so it’s hard to get near him. He’s tenacious and very strong. He’s got a lot of attributes.”
Missing someone of the Argentine’s creativity would be a major blow to a Villa side hoping to bounce back to winning ways after that disappointing draw at home to Leeds in midweek.
It’s exactly why fans will surely be worried about Buendia’s status heading into the match on Sunday.
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