Emery gives update on Aston Villa midfielder ahead of Hull clash

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has revealed Johan Manzambi is closing in on a return to action but is not ready to play this weekend.

The Switzerland international will not be available for Saturday evening’s Premier League trip to Hull City but could return for Tuesday’s Champions League fixture against Club Brugge, or next weekend’s home clash with Nottingham Forest.

“He’s training with the group and he’s progressively getting better, feeling good,” Emery said.

“But he will need some more days, for Tuesday in the Champions League or for our next match against Nottingham Forest at home.”

Villa remain without Brian Madjo too, who is expected to be sidelined for another couple of weeks, while Amadou Onana is a long-term absentee.

It remains to be seen whether recent signings Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Leon Goretzka and Ibrahim Mbaye will be involved against Hull too.