Aston Villa’s latest marquee signing, Johan Manzambi, is expected to miss the club’s Premier League opener against Brighton due to a knee injury sustained during Switzerland’s recent World Cup campaign. The 20-year-old forward, acquired from Freiburg in a deal potentially worth up to £60 million, had the injury prior to his transfer but it had not been deemed severe enough to delay his move. However, it now appears likely to sideline him for several early-season matches as he continues his recovery.

Manzambi, who scored seven goals and provided nine assists for Freiburg last season, was a key player in their run to the Europa League final, where they were defeated 3-0 by Villa. At the World Cup, he contributed three goals and two assists as Switzerland progressed to the quarter-finals. With the departure of prominent attacker Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for £117 million, Villa are relying on Manzambi to bolster their attacking options.

The club has experienced further turnover this summer, having lost midfielder Youri Tielemans and preparing for the anticipated move of left-back Lucas Digne to Paris Saint-Germain. To strengthen the squad, Villa have signed Joao Gomes and Alejandro Garnacho, while actively pursuing additional reinforcements. Defender Ezri Konsa remains a subject of transfer speculation as Arsenal have shown interest and Liverpool are reportedly monitoring the situation. Villa are keen to secure Konsa, 28, on a new contract but appear ready to recruit a replacement if he departs.

In the left-back position, Villa are pursuing a deal for Atletico Madrid’s Matteo Ruggeri. They are also scouting Marseille winger Igor Paixao and aiming to add at least one more forward. Among potential departures, Tammy Abraham has attracted interest and could leave if suitable offers are received. Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson is among the forwards linked with a move to Villa.

Meanwhile, team captain John McGinn is expected to be fit for the season’s start despite a recent knee injury sustained during a pre-season friendly against Thai club BG Pathum United. As the club seeks to balance incoming and outgoing transfers, the fitness of key players like Manzambi and McGinn will be crucial to Aston Villa’s performance in the early stages of the Premier League campaign.