Aston Villa midfielder Boubacar Kamara is expected to miss the rest of the season after suffering a “significant” knee ligament injury.
Kamara was withdrawn in the 65th minute of Villa’s 2-1 Premier League defeat to Manchester United on Sunday, after the France international went down holding his right knee.
The former Marseille man has played a key role in Villa’s push for Champions League qualification, forming a strong partnership with Douglas Luiz in the heart of midfield and starting 20 Premier League games this term.
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On Monday, widespread reports claimed Kamara had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and would play no further part for Villa this season.
Villa confirmed their supporters’ worst fears via a statement later that same day, saying scans had revealed a “significant” injury which would require consultation with a knee specialist.
You’ll come back stronger, Bouba.
We’re in this together. ???? pic.twitter.com/R4QDy35x83
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) February 12, 2024
Kamara’s absence will come as a huge blow to Unai Emery’s side, who slipped out of the Premier League’s top four as a result of Tottenham’s dramatic 2-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday.
Villa are now one point adrift of fourth-placed Spurs and five clear of United in sixth, though fifth place could be enough for Champions League qualification this campaign, depending on how English clubs perform in European competitions over the coming months.
Emery’s men have endured their fair share of bad luck on the injury front lately, with Kamara the third Villa player to suffer an ACL problem this season.
Tyrone Mings and Emiliano Buendia both suffered similar injuries last August, while defender Ezri Konsa is currently sidelined with a knee injury which is expected to keep him out for a month.
