Alysson to already suffer setback at Aston Villa – here’s why Unai Emery’s update could impact him
Alysson has endured a very slow start to life at Aston Villa since his exciting move from Gremio during the winter transfer window.
Since switching life from Brazil to England, Alysson had made just one appearance under Unai Emery, being given just 16 minutes during the Villans’ 1-0 win over Brighton.
He had replaced Amadou Onana for the closing stages, and with a Jack Hinshelwood own goal sealing all three points for Villa, the manager’s changes clearly paid off.
However, many of the supporters have been expecting more from the talented winger, especially after emerging as a first-team star for Gremio.
But at just 19 years of age, there is plenty of developing for the player still to do before he has a proper breakthrough at Villa Park.
Unai Emery could welcome back John McGinn earlier than expected
Despite a number of important injuries, the Villans have kept up their charge in the Premier League title race, sitting seven points behind league leaders Arsenal.
Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara are sidelined for a few more weeks, at the very least, but Villa could soon welcome back John McGinn, who has not featured since the middle of January.
With five goals and three assists, there is no doubt that the Scotland international has been missed on the pitch, and it appears that the 31-year-old could return earlier than anticipated.
Reported by injury expert Ben Dinnery, Emery has revealed that McGinn could be back as early as the beginning of March, with only three games remaining in February for the Villans.
Alysson’s development could be about to suffer more at Villa Park
In recent weeks, Jadon Sancho has staked his claim on the right flank, but as soon as McGinn is fit enough, it would be a surprise if he were not thrown straight back into the lineup.
That would only send Sancho back to the bench and, in turn, send Alysson even further down the pecking order, having only just been given his debut by Emery this week.
Very few youngsters are given the chance to shine by the manager, and with the Premier League title race really heating up, Emery needs his most experienced stars to step up, not his academy gems.
Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba recently showed what can happen when graduates are given the platform to impress, but even he was sent out on loan for the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign.
To read more on Alysson’s start to life at Aston Villa, read what the experts are saying on Villa News.