Emi Buendia looking disappointed while playing for Aston Villa towards a circle inset of Unai Emery
Credit: Imago
Max Wilkins
Fri 2 January 2026 7:40, UK
Aston Villa may have a worry on their hands over the fitness of Emi Buendia.
Buendia has been a surprise star for Villa this season and has played a role across various key moments so far this campaign.
The Villa Park faithful won’t forget Buendia’s last-gasp winner against Arsenal that helped to throw Unai Emery’s side into a potential title race.
That hope may have been dulled slightly after Villa lost 4-1 away to Arsenal last time out, with concerns raised at the Emirates.
Buendia started in North London but struggled to make any sort of impact as his recent form continues to frustrate the claret and blue outfit.
Emi Buendia may have fitness concern at Aston Villa
Buendia could have joined Leeds United in the summer, such was his place in the pecking order in B6 after a difficult spell.
The Argentine spent the second half of last season at Bayer Leverkusen, but failed to truly impress before returning to the Midlands.
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The PSR situation forced Emery’s hand, and the attacking midfielder was trusted to play a role in the squad, something that has been repaid and then some.
Buendia has been superb for Villa this season, but after going four games without a goal involvement, there are questions over a dip in form.
Former B6 scout Bryan King has suggested that injury could be impacting the 29-year-old after a poor display away to Arsenal last time around.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, King said: “You’re going to get 11 players playing in form at different times in every match of the season.
“Everyone goes through phases, and Buendia is going through one now.
“You don’t play how he did at the start of the season and then all of a sudden dip away. Does he have an injury? Is there something else impacting him?
“Against a team like Arsenal, he got shown up.
“*Against a Burnley or Fulham or whatever, you could get away with it, but playing away to Arsenal, you’ve got to be on top of your game and at the moment, he ain’t.*“
Buendia could benefit from rest after recent struggles
There has been so much good about the Argentine this season, so the idea of benching him for an extended period feels harsh.
Buendia scored a stunner away to Tottenham, just adding to his stellar moments against the likes of Arsenal, Bournemouth and Fulham.
If there are concerns over his fitness and the output he is providing right now, a spell on the bench could prove to be beneficial for all parties.
With clashes against Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace coming up, there is a big call for Emery to make in such a busy period of the season.
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