Leon Goretzka Boosts Aston Villa Squad for Fenerbahce Clash
Leon Goretzka is in Aston Villa’s squad to face Fenerbahce on Wednesday, giving Unai Emery a midfield boost as he searches for a first home win of the season.
Key takeaways
- Villa have failed to win any of their opening three matches at Villa Park in all competitions.
- Matteo Ruggeri is expected to miss more than a month after being injured against Brentford.
- Ian Maatsen is also unavailable, although Emery hopes the Dutch full-back could return within one or two weeks.
- Brian Madjo and Taylor Harwood-Bellis cannot play because they were omitted from Villa’s Champions League list.
- Villa began their European campaign with a 3-2 win at Club Brugge, while Fenerbahce drew 1-1 with Roma.
Emery demands a Villa Park response
Emery wants his players to restore Villa Park’s status as a difficult ground for visiting teams when Fenerbahce arrive. The stadium has been affected by the North Stand redevelopment ahead of Euro 2028, but the manager has made clear that his side must improve regardless.
Villa lost 1-0 to Arsenal and 2-1 to Nottingham Forest in their first two home fixtures, then drew 2-2 with Brentford at the weekend. Their European form has been stronger away from Birmingham, with the dramatic victory in Bruges putting them in a positive position before the second match.
Emery said the coaching staff have been holding meetings, reviewing video and working on the training pitch because the current level is not enough. He believes Wednesday offers the squad a chance to build confidence and make Villa Park feel like the fortress it has been during his four years in charge.
Left-back injury problems deepen
Ruggeri was substituted at half-time against Brentford and will now spend several weeks out, with Emery indicating the absence is likely to extend beyond a month. Maatsen is already sidelined, leaving Villa short of specialist options on the left side of defence.
Emery said he must find solutions while both players are missing. Maatsen could rejoin the group in a matter of days, or potentially within two weeks, but there is no precise return date for Ruggeri.
Goretzka’s inclusion provides a timely positive ahead of Fenerbahce, with the midfielder closing in on his competitive Villa debut. George Hemmings remains out with a minor pain issue, though he could be available on Saturday.
Madjo and Harwood-Bellis are unavailable for Wednesday because neither player is registered in Villa’s Champions League squad. Emery’s depleted group now face a Fenerbahce side that opened their campaign with a home draw against Roma.
