With Villa’s opening day drubbing to Newcastle (5-1) still fresh in the memory, it was perhaps asking too much that Mings’ injury might turn out better than first feared.
Unfortunately, those fears have now been confirmed, with the club announcing through official channels that the centre half had indeed suffered a ‘significant’ knee injury.
It’s a major blow for both the club and player, given that Mings had proven many critics wrong since joining the club (initially on loan) in the Championship.
The imposing defender was a major factor in Villa’s promotion to the Premier League under Dean Smith, and was swiftly purchased in a then eye-brow raising £26m deal.
Mings suffered torn anterior and medial ligaments on his Premier League debut as Bournemouth’s then record signing in 2015, forcing a lengthy layoff at the time and essentially ending his career at the south coast club before it had even begun.
Despite this set-back, Mings worked tirelessly to rebuild his fortunes and credibility at Villa. His reward included a rising stock amongst seasoned supporters and recognition at international level, becoming a regular feature for England. He was a near ever present for Villa too, missing just 12 games since the club’s promotion in 2019.
This is a big blow, especially following the summer injury to Jacob Ramsey (metatarsel) and the knee injury incurred by Emi Buendia just days before the season opener.
Mings will now undergo surgery before embarking upon a long-term rehabilitation programme, with reports widely suggesting an absence of at least 9 months. This will certainly mean he’ll likely miss the whole season, appearing in Villa’s European campaign and likely involvement in the Euro 2024 tournament with it.
For Villa, we must now turn to who will most likely partner Konsa, at least in the first instance. Both Pau Torres and Diego Carlos are expensive additions waiting in the wings, albeit the latter is themselves overcoming an ACL. Callum Chambers, marmite to some, cannot be discounted either.
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