Youri Tielemans is expected to miss the next two games after scans showed a groin injury is not as bad as first feared.
Tielemans, 26, limped off on the half-hour mark during Aston Villa’s 2-2 draw against Chelsea after picking up a groin injury earlier on.
The Belgium international underwent scans on Monday to discover the extent of the injury, with results showing he suffered a hematoma which requires rest.
Although he will likely miss the first leg of the UEFA Conference League semi-final against Olympiacos and the trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, it is encouraging news for Villa, given he hopes to play a part in the end of season run in.
The news will also be a boost ahead of this summer’s European Championship in Germany, with Tielemans’ Belgium in Group E with Slovakia, Romania and Ukraine.
The midfielder has become a key cog in Unai Emery’s system this season, making 31 Premier League appearances and registering six assists.
Emery confirmed that Tielemans and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez — who was withdrawn at half-time in the Chelsea game — were set for scans to determine the extent of their injuries.
Tielemans absence will again rely on a depleted bench to make an impact. Moussa Diaby replaced him against Chelsea, with John McGinn moving deeper into central midfield alongside Douglas Luiz.
Emery has had to contend with several injuries this season, including anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries to Emiliano Buendia, Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara.
(Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
