Aston Villa and Netherlands left-back Ian Maatsen is expected to be sidelined for up to eight weeks after sustaining a right ankle injury during Villa’s defeat to Nottingham Forest.
The injury occurred in the 81st minute of a match that would eventually end in frustration for Unai Emery’s side, with Villa forced to finish the game with 10 players after the manager had already used all five of his substitutions.
Maatsen sustained the injury following a challenge from Nottingham Forest midfielder James McAtee and was unable to continue.
With Villa having no substitutions remaining, captain John McGinn was required to fill in at left-back for the remainder of the contest.
The reshuffle left Villa exposed during the closing stages, and Forest eventually took advantage.
Igor Jesus scored in the 88th minute to complete Forest’s comeback and secure a 2-1 victory at Villa Park.
The result gave Forest their first away win at Villa Park in more than 32 years, making an already difficult evening even more painful for the hosts.
Maatsen Undergoes MRI Scan
Maatsen underwent an MRI scan later that evening to determine the severity of the injury.
The results provided some relief by confirming that the 24-year-old had not suffered a fracture. However, the scans revealed tendon damage around his right ankle, with the injury expected to keep him out for approximately six to eight weeks.
The absence represents a significant blow for Villa, particularly given Maatsen’s importance as a natural option at left-back.
His injury now leaves summer signing Matteo Ruggeri as the only recognised specialist left-back in Emery’s squad.
Villa do have another option in Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has previously operated at left-back despite being primarily a right-back. However, Maatsen’s absence could place greater demands on Emery to find a solution during the coming weeks.
The timing is particularly challenging as Villa continue to balance domestic commitments with their European schedule.
Emery Questions McAtee’s Challenge
Speaking in the post-match press conference, Emery expressed concern about the seriousness of Maatsen’s injury and suggested that the Netherlands international could be unavailable for a considerable period.
The Villa manager also questioned the decision to show McAtee only a yellow card for the challenge.
Emery believed the incident warranted a red card and felt VAR should have intervened.
“We finished with Ian Maatsen injured and with 10 players, and we conceded so many chances in the last minutes,” Emery said in his post-match press conference. “They (Forest) scored a second goal, and they deserved it.
“But after watching it on TV, I think the VAR referee should call the (on-pitch) referee because it’s a tackle, a clear tackle, behind Maatsen, and for me it should be a red card, and it’s different.”
The comments reflect Emery’s frustration not only with the injury but also with the circumstances in which Villa were forced to finish the match.
Having already used all five substitutions by the 63rd minute, Emery had no opportunity to replace Maatsen when the defender went down.
McGinn was consequently pushed into an unfamiliar role, while Villa had to reorganise their defensive structure during the most decisive period of the match.
A Difficult Blow for Villa
Maatsen’s injury leaves Villa facing an important period without one of their natural options on the left side of defence.
The former Chelsea defender had been brought in to provide defensive stability, attacking width and versatility, and his absence could force Emery to rely on Ruggeri or adapt his system to accommodate players operating outside their usual positions.
For Maatsen himself, the immediate focus will be rehabilitation and recovery.
The absence of a fracture offers some encouragement, but the six-to-eight-week timeframe means he is still facing a lengthy spell away from competitive action.
For Villa, meanwhile, the challenge is to navigate that period without allowing the loss of their left-back to disrupt their momentum.
The injury has already had a direct impact on one match, with Villa forced to play the final stages against Forest with 10 men.
Emery will now hope the setback does not have a similarly lasting effect on the club’s season.
Villa take on Tottenham Hotspurs in their next Premier League fixture, with both sides yet to obtain their first win in the league this season.
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