Amadou Onana injury update as Aston Villa plan fresh MRI scan

Amadou Onana’s latest injury setback is being closely monitored by Aston Villa, with the midfielder currently undergoing daily assessment after suffering a calf problem last week. While the injury forced him out of action again, early signs suggest there is no major concern over a long-term absence.

According to Belgian outlet DH Net, Aston Villa remain optimistic that Onana will return before the end of the season, with key fixtures and a possible European final still in sight.

The timing matters.

With the season entering its final phase, Unai Emery will be keen to have one of his most physically dominant midfielders available for decisive matches.

Onana picked up the calf issue during Aston Villa’s first-leg meeting with Nottingham Forest, immediately raising concerns over his availability for the club’s closing fixtures.

Speaking this week, Emery confirmed the midfielder would miss the immediate next match but offered little detail beyond that.

That uncertainty naturally sparked concern, particularly in Belgium, where national team staff are also tracking his condition.

However, the latest reporting paints a calmer picture.

An MRI scan was carried out shortly after the injury, and while another scan is planned in the coming days, the current internal assessment is positive.

There is no indication at this stage of a serious structural issue.

Aston Villa’s immediate target is to have Onana available before the season ends.

According to the report, Emery wants the midfielder fit for the Europa League final on 20 May 2026, as well as crucial Premier League fixtures against Liverpool FC and Manchester City.

That timeline explains why Villa’s medical team are managing the situation carefully rather than rushing him back.

Based on recent matches we’ve covered, Onana’s physicality and ball-carrying ability have been central to Villa’s midfield balance this season, especially in bigger matches where control and defensive coverage matter most.

Belgium’s national team staff are also staying in regular contact over Onana’s condition.

Given his recent injury history, there appears to be little appetite from either club or country to take unnecessary risks.

For Belgium, a controlled recovery may actually be the preferred outcome, especially with international commitments approaching later in the year.

That makes the next MRI particularly important.

Villa’s medical staff will continue daily checks while awaiting the next MRI scan, which should offer greater clarity on the exact recovery timeline. If the results remain positive, Onana could begin reintegration into training before the final stretch of the campaign.

The immediate focus will be on managing load carefully, particularly with major domestic and European fixtures approaching.