Leon Goretzka will miss at least four matches for Aston Villa after announcing a forced break due to injury. The 31-year-old German midfielder, who joined the Europa League winners on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, revealed on Instagram that his body has reacted poorly to the increased workload following his period without competitive football.
"Unfortunately, my body has reacted to the increased workload after the time without matches," Goretzka wrote. "It is frustrating, but I need this short break now so I can come back at full strength." The recovery period means he will not be available until after the international fixtures at the end of September and start of October, ruling him out of crucial upcoming fixtures.
Compounded Struggles at Villa Park
Goretzka's absence comes at a particularly challenging moment for Aston Villa. After three matches, Unai Emery's squad remain winless and goalless in the Premier League, with only a draw against Nottingham Forest to show for their efforts. The Birmingham club face Club Brugge in the Champions League on Tuesday still searching for their first continental points of the season. Before Goretzka can return, Villa must navigate two league matches and a League Cup tie.
The midfielder's injury setback adds to Villa's summer upheaval. Despite their successful 2023-24 campaign that secured Champions League qualification, the club lost four key players: Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans, and striker Ollie Watkins all departed, creating significant gaps in the squad. Goretzka was signed as an experienced replacement in midfield, bringing 73 international caps for Germany after eight years at Bayern Munich.
Villa return to action on 10 October against Brentford FC, by which point Goretzka hopes to be fully recovered and available for selection. Emery will need to navigate the challenging period ahead without one of his marquee midfield additions, testing the depth of his squad during a demanding fixture schedule.
