Aston Villa news from BirmingahmLive as we take a look at Newcastle United's injury woes ahead of next weekend's Premier League opener at Villa Park
Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United goes off injured
Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United goes off injured in the second half of Saturday's pre-season friendly with Atletico Madrid at St James' Park
There’s less than a week before Aston Villa get their 2025-26 campaign under way against Newcastle United.
Unai Emery’s men take on the Magpies at Villa Park, with opposite number Eddie Howe hopeful of having some new recruits in his squad for the Premier League opener.
However, he has some injury concerns to deal with this week as well as he assesses his group ahead of what will be a long and demanding campaign. Pre-season has seen several injury scares for the United head coach, although there have been some positive returns as the players prepared for the coming challenge.
And then there’s still the frustrating matter of Alexander Isak’s absence to address, with Howe desperate for reinforcements. Here’s a look at Villa’s opponents as we count down to the big Premier League kick-off.
Anthony Gordon
Injury: Ankle
An audible gasp was heard at St James’ Park on Saturday when Anthony Gordon pulled up sharply in the latter stages of the friendly with Atletico Madrid. After treatment, the England forward was able to walk off the field unaided, with Howe revealing it was an ankle problem.
What Howe said: “We hope he’s OK. It’s an ankle problem. We initially thought it was a muscle. The good news is it’s just a twist. The initial feeling is he should be OK.”
Potential return date: Aston Villa, August 16
Joe Willock
Injury: Calf
The midfielder has suffered a torrid time with injuries, and his latest knock came just after Sean Longstaff left for Leeds. It means United are down to the bare bones in central midfield, but the former Arsenal star could soon be back in action.
What Howe said: “Fingers crossed he’s recovering well, he’s been to see a specialist and the news is pretty good, so a few more weeks and I think Joe will be back.”
Potential return date: Early September
Sven Botman
Injury: Groin
The Dutch defender is desperate for an injury-free run after seeing last term wrecked by knee issues. After ACL surgery, Botman then had niggles in his other knee - and then picked up a groin issue against Arsenal in Singapore. However, he played the first 45 minutes against Atletico and should be in contention for a first-team place.
What Howe said: “That was the pre-game plan for him. I thought he came through it well. He’s such a big player. We need to keep him fit, so we’re just managing his games.”
Potential return date: Aston Villa, August 16
Lewis Hall
Injury: Foot
The left-back made a welcome start against Espanyol on Friday night and, like Botman, played a scheduled 45 minutes. He may not be risked against Villa next weekend but is on the road to a full recovery very soon.
What Howe said: “It was a small step in progression for Lewis having played 20 minutes of our previous game and 45 today. We have to be very mindful that we want to keep him fit and to do that we have to build him up slowly with the type of injury he has had.”
Potential return date: Aston Villa, August 16
Alexander Isak
Absence: Not training with the squad
Howe confirmed the wantaway Swede is now free from injury but is still training separately from the squad and will not be considered for selection aganst Aston Villa. His desire to leave the club has meant he is not currently part of the group and the situation has not changed in recent days.
What Howe said: “We’ve had discussions and it’s clear at the moment that we can’t involve him with the group. I don’t know how long that will be for, but that’s the latest.”
“I’d want Alex to be playing today. I’d want him training tomorrow. We would love the player to be with us. Let me make that absolutely clear. There’s no part of me that doesn’t want that outcome, but I don’t see the current situation changing for Aston Villa.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Get your Aston Villa pre-season special edition of the Birmingham Mail
It promises to be an exciting season ahead for Aston Villa as Unai Emery's side look to build on last season's efforts and will look to finish even higher this time around.
Despite not achieving the same feat of the 2023/2024 season by securing a UEFA Champion's League spot — the 2024/25 campaign proved to be a decent one for the Villains. Villa managed to get into continental football by qualifying for the Europa League and will play their third consecutive season of European competition.
It looks as though there is a lot to look forward to this coming campaign. And with that in mind, we have produced our Aston Villa 2025/26 Kick-Off special — our brilliant guide to the new season.
Our team will help you navigate through what to expect from your team this coming season, turn the spotlight on Emery while also providing in-depth analysis and opinion on your club. We look at the summer's biggest signings, check out each ground, study the managers - new and old - and test your knowledge with our Premier League quiz.
And we also have a full fixtures guide so you don't miss a game in what is set to be a thrilling season. The guide is available at retailers from August 6 but can be pre-ordered online now and it is a must have for any Aston Villa fan. It is the perfect accompaniment to the season and you can own it before the squad's opening fixture of the Premier League when they welcome Newcastle United to Villa Park on Saturday, August, 16.
Priced £3.50, pre-order your copy nowfrom our online store and get it delivered direct to your door.
Available to purchase in most supermarkets, high street retailers and independent newsagents in Birmingham from August 6, 2025. For online purchases, postage and packaging applies. Worldwide shipping is available.