Gabby Agbonlahor issues ‘big’ Ezri Konsa claim after confirmed Aston Villa news
Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed Ezri Konsa still has a future at Aston Villa despite his “big” injury blow ruling him out of pre-season action.
The former Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 24-year-old could be fighting new arrival Diego Carlos for a defensive berth “by October”.
Aston Villa confirmed earlier this month (18 May) that Konsa will be out for up to 16 weeks after suffering a knee injury – and quelled initial fears of an ACL problem.
Steven Gerrard has wasted no time in bolstering his rearguard in the wake of the injury blow.
Aston Villa confirmed the capture of Diego Carlos, 29, from Sevilla last week (26 May) – with Sky Sports reporting the fee paid is around £26million.
Konsa, who is under contract until June 2026, made 29 starts in the Premier League during the 2021-22 campaign.
Agbonlahor backed the former Brentford man to return to the lineup when he completes his recovery.
“It’s a big blow for Konsa,” he told Football Insider‘s Connor Whitley.
“But the only positive for him will be that he won’t miss an awful lot of games. By August or September, he could be back in training.
“He’ll miss a lot of that pre-season and the gelling together of that new backline with Carlos coming.
“But by October he’ll be patiently waiting for his chance and I’m sure he’ll take it.”
Aston Villa finished 14th this season and were knocked out in the third round of both domestic cups.
The Midlands giants have added Philippe Coutinho and Boubacar Kamara in addition to Carlos this summer.
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