Skonto Rigga
Aston Villa were dealt a double injury blow on Friday.
The Athletic reports that Joao Gomes and Brian Madjo are set to miss the start of the season with injuries picked up in Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
£5.5m forward Madjo, still only 17, has been in excellent form this summer, scoring five pre-season goals.
Gomes has also impressed at the heart of the midfield since his switch from relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers.
However, both are now set to sit out Gameweeks 1 and 2 at a minimum.
Villa correspondent Jacob Tanswell suggests that Gomes will miss 2-4 weeks with a calf complaint.
The nature of Madjo’s injury is not disclosed but Tanswell reports that the teenager “could be out until at least September”.
Ross Barkley or Lamare Bogarde may get a chance in Gomes’ absence, with Tammy Abraham perhaps in line to spearhead the attack in Gameweek 1 given that Ollie Watkins won’t play a minute of pre-season action.
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