Emery on Goretzka injury, Manzambi and Champions League

Mon, September 7, 2026 at 6:47 PM UTC Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Premier League game against Club Brugge at Jan Breydelstadion (kick-off 17:45 BST). Here are the key lines from his news conference: Emery confirmed Leon Gortezka has a knee injury and is "frustrated" to be sidelined until after the international break. Emery added: "Hopefully then he can get the consistency of training and playing so that we can add his experience." Johan Manzambi has not travelled to Belgium. Emery said: "He is progressing very good. I don't know if for Saturday [Nottingham Forest], or next week, he will be available if everything goes well." Joao Gomes is available to play against Brugge as his three-match suspension for violent conduct is only for domestic games. On the excitement of being back in the Champions League: "We are very motivated and very excited to play in this competition. Europe is something fantastic. We can continue feeling proud of how we achieved it." He said this is now a "a new and different chapter" after winning the Europa League last season because a lot of last season's "key players" have left. On the high player turnover: "We must try to adapt them as fast as possible, and we are going to try and get them adapted to play comfortably and with confidence." Got a question about Villa? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts Stay informed with a handpicked selection of the day's top AOL stories, delivered to your inbox.