Amadou Onana
AVLBelgium
Right
Aug 16, 2001
24
6'5"
168 lb
CM
--
Ball-Winning Midfielder
VillaTargeting Europa League final
Onana (calf) is expected to return for the club's Europa League final match on May 20, according to manager Unai Emery, per John Townley of The Birmingham Post. "The doctor told us that it would be two or three weeks, which is more or less the final in the Europa League or the final against Liverpool. In case someone can't play in the final or against Man City, we should find solutions."
Analysis: Onana is still working on a return to play this season and appears to be set to return before the end of the season, barring any setbacks. This is major news for the club as he is a useful midfielder, starting in 10 of his 11 UEL appearances and 21 of his 25 appearances in league play. That said, he is likely to make a break for the starting XI once fit, although that will depend on his levels of fitness.
Out against Burnley
Onana (calf) is ruled out for Sunday's clash against Burnley.
Analysis: Onana has been unable to recover in time for Sunday's contest after missing Thursday's UEL match, with the lack of an update on Friday proving a telling sign as the quick turnaround left insufficient time for the midfielder to be cleared. The coaching staff's caution is understandable given the UEL final looming on the horizon, with the club unlikely to take any unnecessary risks against a side sitting in the bottom two of the league when a far bigger prize awaits. His situation will be monitored closely in the coming days as the club prioritizes having him available and fully fit for the upcoming European showpiece.
Status for Sunday unknown
Onana's (calf) status remains unknown for Sunday's match against Burnley, according to Unai Emery. "And the first is no excuses. If someone is getting tired or at risk to get injured, of course, we are going to avoid it, but then, try to recover as better as possible today. Tomorrow, we will rest, good food. Tomorrow, we will see how they are coming here, the players, the last training session."
Analysis: Onana didn't receive an update Friday and will head into the weekend questionable, as his status for the contest is unknown. This comes after missing Thursday's UEL match, so it will have to be a quick turnaround for the midfielder. However, with a UEL final on the books, they may be a bit more cautious Sunday, facing a team in the bottom two of the league.
Ruled out Thursday
Onana (calf) will miss Thursday's Europa League semifinal second leg against Nottingham Forest, according to coach Unai Emery.
Analysis: Onana's absence is a significant blow for Aston Villa heading into one of the biggest fixtures of their season, having already missed Sunday's clash against Tottenham with the same issue. The Belgian midfielder has been one of the most important defensive presences in the engine room this season, and his unavailability forces coach Unai Emery to find solutions in the midfield for the return leg. Lamare Bogarde is the most likely option to start in his place, continuing the role he took on during Onana's recent absences.
Misses training Wednesday
Onana (calf) did not train with the team Wednesday and is unlikely to be available for Thursday's Europa League semifinal return leg against Nottingham Forest, according to Dan Salisbury-Jones of ITV Central.
Analysis: Onana had already been ruled out of Sunday's clash against Tottenham after being forced off during the first leg against Forest, and his continued absence from training is a concerning sign heading into one of the biggest fixtures of Aston Villa's season. The club has yet to provide specific details on the extent of the calf issue, but missing consecutive training sessions ahead of such a high-stakes European night makes his involvement on Thursday look increasingly unlikely. Aston Villa will need to find solutions in the midfield for the return leg without one of their most important defensive presences in the engine room, with Lamare Bogarde as the most likely option to start in his spot until he returns.
Won't play vs. Spurs
Onana (calf) won't be an option for Sunday's game against Tottenham, according to manager Unai Emery. "Difficult," Emery said when describing Onana's situation. "He has a scan, and we will see the consequences after it and how he is feeling. But for Sunday, it is sure he is not available."
Analysis: Onana played 55 minutes before asking to be subbed off in the UEFA Europa League match against Nottingham Forest on Thursday, and it's not surprising that he won't be available on such a quick turnaround. If Onana suffered a setback from the previous calf injury he was dealing with, it wouldn't be surprising to see him miss multiple matches. His next chance to play will come May 7 against Forest in the return of the Europa League semifinals.
Potential setback Thursday
Onana played 55 minutes before asking to be subbed off during Thursday's UEFA Europa League meeting with Nottingham Forest, and coach Unai Emery said "The first half he was telling us he was feeling something in his calf. I don't know how he is going to recover. Hopefully in a few days he can recover. We must be careful and we will see how he progresses.", John Townley of Birmingham Live reports.
Analysis: Onana could have sustained further damage after dealing with an injury prior to this game and barely regaining enough fitness to start against Nottingham. Thus, his status may be a doubt for the next league and European games. The defensive midfielder has been a key player lately, but Lamare Bogarde will likely fill in for him in case the calf issue continues to limit his participation.
Starting vs. Nottingham
Onana (undisclosed) is in the starting lineup for Thursday's Europa League semifinal vs. Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Onana managed to recover from a knock that kept him out of the previous EPL match, a 1-0 loss at Fulham. Onana will slot in his regular central midfield role next to Youri Tielemans, though his fantasy upside won't be very high due to the defensive-minded nature of his role.
Late call for Thursday
Onana (undisclosed) faces a late fitness test ahead of Thursday's Europa League semifinal first leg against Nottingham Forest, according to coach Unai Emery. "We train this afternoon, and we will see how he is responding, if he's feeling good to play tomorrow. He was testing yesterday and today we must test again how he is feeling, and how we can get the players with some pain to play tomorrow."
Analysis: Onana missed Saturday's defeat at Fulham with the knock, and his availability for the European fixture remains uncertain heading into the final training session. The Belgian midfielder has been one of Aston Villa's most important players this season, posting two goals, 47 tackles and 58 clearances across 21 starts in 24 Premier League appearances. Lamare Bogarde had stepped in alongside Youri Tielemans in the double pivot against Fulham, and could be called upon again if Onana is unable to pass the fitness test. Coach Unai Emery will make a final decision following Wednesday afternoon's session.
Ruled out Saturday due to small pain
Onana (undisclosed) was left out of the matchday squad for Saturday's clash against Fulham due to suffering from small pain, according to coach Unai Emery, per John Townley of Birmingham Live. "He was not feeling good yesterday. He had some small pain. We are not thinking when we do not have some players. We have 25 players and every player must feel comfortable to play in the structure that we have."
Analysis: Onana is not in the matchday squad for Saturday's clash against Fulham due to suffering from small pain in Friday's final team training session, and with no more details released on the issue, his timeline to return remains up in the air. The midfielder has been a locked-in presence in Aston Villa's engine room all season, posting two goals, 47 tackles and 58 clearances across 21 starts in 24 Premier League appearances, so his absence is a major hit for the Villans. Lamare Bogarde slots in alongside Youri Tielemans in the double pivot against the Cottagers, forcing a notable midfield shake-up for coach Unai Emery's side.
Makes starting XI
Onana (strain) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Bournemouth.
Analysis: Onana makes the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Bournemouth after missing the club's last match due to muscle fatigue. The midfielder returned to training this week and is fully recovered, allowing him to step straight back into the lineup. With injuries impacting the midfield and two straight starts prior to his absence, he immediately regains a starting role.
Deemed fully fit
Onana (strain) is an option for Saturday's match against Bournemouth, according to manager Unai Emery.
Analysis: Onana was not able to play in the club's last game after he was dealt some fatigue to a muscle, leaving him on the bench the entire outing. However, he has recovered this week and is ready for his return after appearing to train. With injuries hurting the midfield and two straight starts before the absence, he will look to gain back a starting role upon his return.
Suffers muscle fatigue
Onana did not appear off the bench during Sunday's 1-0 loss to Brentford due to muscle fatigue, according to manager Unai Emery, per John Townley of the Birmingham Mail. "He was not feeling completely fit after the match on Thursday. He had a tired muscle."
Analysis: Onana made the bench Sunday but did not appear, with the midfielder instead unused for 90 minutes. However, it was not due to a falling out of favor, but instead due to a slight injury. He will have a week to recover before taking the field again, hoping he can make a quick turnaround with multiple injuries already affecting the midfield.
Features off bench in UEL
Onana (hamstring) featured 15 minutes off bench in Thursday's 1-0 victory against Fenerbahce in the Europa League, confirming he is back fit for Aston Villa.
Analysis: Onana contributed one tackle, one interception and two clearances off bench in Thursday's clash against Fenerbahce, confirming he is back fit after missing the last four games across all competitions due to a hamstring injury. This is great news for the Villains since he is expected to see a decent role moving forward given the long term injury of Boubacar Kamara (knee).
Could train next week
Onana (hamstring) is nearing a return to training, according to manager Unai Emery. "[Amadou] is not available for Sunday, he's ruled out. He is progressing very well. In a few weeks, maybe even next week, he can be training with us."
Analysis: Onana is working his way back and receiving his best update since the injury, with the midfielder an option for training as soon as next week. He would likely then be set for a return come the first week of February after testing his legs, potentially ending an injury he picked up to start January.
Expected out longer
Onana (hamstring) is expected to remain out, with no clear timeline of return yet, said manager Unai Emery per Jacob Tanswell of the Athletic.
Analysis: Onana could be out for the whole month of January following his hamstring injury picked up against Arsenal. There is no set date of return, therefore Boubacar Kamara is set to remain in the lineup for the time being.
Won't play Saturday
Onana (hamstring) is out for Saturday's match against Nottingham Forest, according to manager Unai Emery. "They are close to coming back, some of them, but still a lot of players are not available for tomorrow."
Analysis: Onana had to leave early Tuesday with an injury and will not recover in the few days he had, with the midfielder out to face Nottingham. The good news for the club is that Boubacar Kamara has returned from suspension, likely to fill Onana's role from Tuesday. A return shouldn't take long for the midfielder, hopefully fit by Wednesday's match against Palace.
Leaves with injury Tuesday
Onana was forced to exit Tuesday's game versus Arsenal due to an apparent muscle issue.
Analysis: Onana lasted 45 minutes on the field before his removal in his 14th EPL appearance of the season. The defensive midfielder will be questionable for the next contest against Nottingham Forest, with his potential absence representing a blow to the squad's usual lineup. Tuesday's substitute John McGinn, along with the no longer suspended Boubacar Kamara, are the current alternatives to cover Onana's duties.
Gives lead with header
Onana scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Wednesday's 4-3 win over Brighton.
Analysis: Onana put Villa ahead for the first time at the hour mark, attacking Matty Cash's in-swinging corner at the back post and outjumping Maxim De Cuyper to head in for the 3-2. He had already grown into the game as the deeper midfielder, breaking up Brightons passing lanes and winning duels in front of the back four, contributing to a season high four tackles won on four attempts, two interceptions and four clearances.
Starting vs. Young Boys
Onana (undisclosed) is in the starting lineup for Thursday's Europa League match against Young Boys.
Analysis: Onana returns straight into the starting lineup for this European fixture. The Belgian midfielder should see consistent minutes in the middle of the park now that he's healthy again.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare