Garnacho suffers facial injury in Aston Villa friendly
Aston Villa winger Alejandro Garnacho was forced off with a facial injury during his side’s pre-season friendly against Thai club BG Pathum United, raising fresh fitness concerns just two weeks after completing his loan move from Chelsea.
The Argentina international started the match but was unable to finish the first half after requiring medical treatment following a heavy challenge.
He was eventually substituted with a bloodied mouth as Villa continued their preparations for the new Premier League season.
The injury comes at an unfortunate time for Garnacho, who is looking to revive his career after joining Aston Villa on a season-long loan.
Early exit after heavy collision
The incident occurred when BG Pathum midfielder Ryan Edwards blocked Garnacho during an attacking move, leaving the 22-year-old needing lengthy treatment on the pitch.
Although he initially attempted to continue, Villa’s medical staff decided to withdraw him before half-time because of the facial injury.
Villa had already taken control of the contest by then, with Emiliano Buendía and Victor Lindelöf finding the net to hand Unai Emery’s side a comfortable lead before the break.
Boubacar Kamara added a third goal in the second half before the hosts scored a late consolation in a 3-1 defeat.
Villa face fresh fitness concerns
Garnacho was not the only player to worry Villa’s coaching staff during the match. Midfielder John McGinn was also substituted after appearing to jar his knee following an awkward landing, with Emery opting not to take any risks.
The match itself began 30 minutes later than scheduled after thunderstorms and severe weather delayed kick-off at the True BG Stadium in Pathum Thani.
Garnacho will hope the injury is not serious as he aims to rediscover his best form under Emery ahead of Villa’s return to Champions League football.
After struggling for regular impact at Chelsea last season, Garnacho sees the move to Villa Park as an opportunity to re-establish himself and play a key role in the club’s campaign.