Aston Villa have suffered another injury concern after Tammy Abraham was forced off during their final pre-season friendly against Borussia Monchengladbach.
The striker slipped while attempting to reach a pass from Ross Barkley and remained on the pitch in discomfort before receiving treatment from Villa's medical staff.
Abraham initially walked towards the touchline and appeared as though he could attempt to continue, but Brad Burrowes was prepared to replace him.
The striker then limped down the tunnel, creating another potential selection problem ahead of the new season.
Tammy Abraham injury leaves Villa short in attack
The immediate concern for Villa is their lack of match-ready alternatives if Abraham is unavailable.
Ollie Watkins has not played a minute during pre-season after being given a four-week break following his involvement at the World Cup.
Villa are also without Brian Madjo, who is not expected to return until September at the earliest.
That means an extended absence for Abraham could leave Watkins as Villa's only fit senior striker, despite his lack of pre-season minutes.
The severity of Abraham's injury is not yet clear from the information available, with the fact he was able to walk from the pitch potentially providing some encouragement.
Aston Villa injury problems continue
Abraham's setback comes during an already difficult period for Villa's squad.
Midfielder João Gomes is sidelined with a calf injury, further reducing the options available heading into the competitive campaign.
There is an even more significant long-term absence in midfield, with Amadou Onana expected to miss most, potentially all, of the coming season after suffering an ACL injury during the World Cup.
Villa will now be hoping Abraham's problem proves relatively minor rather than becoming another significant absence.
Key Points
- Tammy Abraham was forced off injured against Borussia Monchengladbach.
- The striker slipped while attempting to reach a Ross Barkley pass before receiving treatment.
- Abraham eventually limped down the tunnel and was replaced by Brad Burrowes.
- Ollie Watkins has not played during pre-season following his post-World Cup break.
- Villa are already without Brian Madjo, João Gomes and Amadou Onana through injury.
What's Next?
Villa will need to assess Abraham and establish the severity of his injury before the competitive season begins.
His availability could be particularly important given Watkins' lack of pre-season action and Madjo's continued absence, leaving Villa potentially short of established options at centre-forward.
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