Aston Villa midfielder Boubacar Kamara is set to miss four key matches due to injury, including Premier League fixtures against Liverpool, Chelsea, and Crystal Palace. Kamara, who has recently been deployed as a center-back by Unai Emery due to a shortage of defenders, is also doubtful for the Emirates FA Cup fifth-round clash against Cardiff City.
In the 16th minute of Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town, Kamara limped off the field, with Tyrone Mings—who was returning from an injury of his own—replacing him. Kamara is believed to be dealing with a muscular issue and is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks as he recovers, according to The Athletic.
Emery commented on the tight fixture schedule ahead: “The people in charge should remember that players are human, even if I know they don’t mind our criticism. They need a sensible schedule and some rest. Four matches in ten days is too much for anyone to handle properly and with energy.”
Kamara’s anticipated return date is Saturday, March 1st, following the FA Cup match against Cardiff. That weekend, Villa will face a Premier League trip to Brentford, sandwiched between the midweek UEFA Champions League last-16 games.
Kamara’s injury comes at a particularly challenging time, with Villa facing an unusually hectic run of fixtures. They have just one Premier League game this month, but four in a ten-day span to close out February, especially as the match against Liverpool has been moved from March 15 to this Wednesday, February 19.
In his program notes before the Ipswich match, Emery addressed the issue: “We thought we had earned a two-week break from midweek games by missing the Champions League play-off round, but the authorities suddenly advanced the Liverpool match. This game would have been better suited for later in the season.”
While acknowledging the challenges of fitting matches into an already packed international schedule, Emery added, “We’re certainly not the only ones frustrated by this unfair scheduling. But common sense suggests a more reasonable and balanced approach.”
He went on to say, “I know the authorities aren’t concerned with our complaints, but they should remember that players are individuals. They need rest and a sensible schedule. Four matches in ten days is too much to handle safely and effectively.”
In Kamara’s absence, Mings is expected to step in, but given his own injury history, maintaining match fitness will be a challenge for the former England international. Axel Disasi is likely to partner him in defense, while Ezri Konsa may shift to left-center-back. However, Chelsea loanee Disasi is ineligible to face his parent club this weekend.
