Aston Villa’s Johan Manzambi to miss Paris Saint-Germain Super Cup final due to knee injury

Johan Manzambi will miss Aston Villa’s UEFA Super Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.

Manzambi, Villa’s club record signing, sustained the injury playing for Switzerland during this summer’s World Cup.

There is no definitive return date for the 20-year-old, but he has been recovering in Spain with knee specialist Jurdan Mendiguchia.

Club sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, say the attacking midfielder is progressing well, having been impressed by his work ethic and approach to recovery. It is hoped that Manzambi’s injury will be weeks, rather than several months. He will, however, miss the Super Cup Final, which takes place in Salzburg on August 12.

Elsewhere, Villa will assess captain John McGinn after he sustained a knee injury in Tuesday’s 3-1 friendly win against BG Pathum in Thailand.

Villa hope the injury is not serious for McGinn, but the Scotland international came off after landing awkwardly on his left knee. Unai Emery decided against McGinn continuing once the midfielder returned to his feet.

While Boubacar Kamara made his first appearance since January, McGinn’s injury left Villa increasingly depleted, with Tyrone Mings, who sat out the match, with Villa managing his minutes, and Ross Barkley not playing.

Ezri Konsa, Emiliano Martinez and Ollie Watkins have not yet returned following their participation with their respective countries in the World Cup and face a tight schedule to feature in the Super Cup.

Villa will play Bayern Munich in Hong Kong on Friday before returning to England and continuing preparations ahead of the new season.