Unai Emery has provided an update on Youri Tielemans’ fitness ahead of the final day clash against Manchester United
Still playing the waiting game… The Aston Villa midfielder, Youri Tielemans, will undergo a late fitness check before facing Manchester United on the last day of the Premier League season. Tielemans has been absent from Villa’s last two matches against Bournemouth and Tottenham due to a calf injury he sustained earlier in the month. Despite his absence, Villa managed to secure victories in both games, boosting their chances of qualifying for the Champions League.
If Villa can defeat United, they will secure a top-five finish, provided Chelsea fail to win against Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United do not emerge victorious against Everton. Additionally, Manchester City must avoid losing to Fulham for Villa to qualify with a win at Old Trafford. Emery was questioned about Tielemans’ fitness ahead of the crucial match, to which he responded, “He trained today, the first day he trained with the group, and tomorrow he’ll train again. If he’s feeling good and comfortable, more or less, without some doubt, then he will be with the team and the squad for Sunday.”
Tielemans has been named in Belgium’s squad for the upcoming internationals against North Macedonia and Wales. However, manager Rudi Garcia expressed his belief that Tielemans’ playing time should have been managed better throughout the season to prevent injuries like the calf problem he is currently facing. Garcia stated, “I know Boubacar Kamara well, because I was the one who gave him his debut at Marseille. He was a central defender, and I turned him into a midfielder. That speaks to the kind of position changes we could consider, maybe even at right-back, with players from the national team.”
Emery defended Villa’s management of Tielemans, emphasizing the professionalism of the coaching staff and medical team. He stated, “Always I am respecting the national team but Youri Tielemans’ commitment, he is every day here, his performances, his process here with us is always very clear. I am so happy with him. Maybe other people can’t have the same information we have every day to make our decision.”
Aston Villa fans can now order the 2025/26 away kit from the official club store, as the team gears up for their final showdown against Manchester United. The outcome of the match will have significant implications on Villa’s qualification for the Champions League, making it a crucial fixture for the club and its supporters. As the season draws to a close, the spotlight is on players like Tielemans, whose fitness will play a vital role in determining Villa’s success in the final push for a top-five finish. The anticipation is high as Villa fans eagerly await the outcome of the match and the possibility of securing a coveted spot in Europe’s premier club competition.
So, what’s your prediction for the United vs Villa showdown? Share your thoughts and predictions as the excitement builds up towards the final day of the Premier League season.
