Team news for Club Brugge clash

FixturesClub Brugge Vs. Aston Villa - Tue, Sep 08 2026, 18:45Aston Villa are in Belgium ahead of their UEFA Champions League opener against Club Brugge. And after landing in Bruges, Unai Emery headed for his press conference at Jan Breydelstadion on Monday evening. The Villa manager offered an update on the state of his squad ahead of the game, with João Gomes available for selection again. Leon Goretzka had earlier confirmed on social media that he’s been ruled out until after the international break. “The injured players, for me, are something normal,” Emery said. “Every player is the same, and when we are closing the squad with two players for each position, with some young players trying to use their potential more and more, like George, performing very well. “Other players can have some injuries and we must be ready to replace them. We have João Gomes available after his suspension in the Premier League. “Goretzka’s injury and his issue is a little bit frustrating, but we have players to replace him, like Ross Barkley, like João Gomes, Lamare Bogarde and Kamara. “When he’s coming back, hopefully he can get the consistency training and playing and we can add his experience because his experience is something we added when we signed him. “He’s a player who will help us in different competitions with the level he has.” Emery also ruled Johan Manzambi out of the match in Belgium, saying he’s progressing well. Watch Emery's full pre-match press conference alongside Emi Buendía via VillaTV now, by clicking below...