Aston Villa update as Ian Maatsen faces six to eight weeks out

Aston Villa have confirmed that left‑back Ian Maatsen will miss between six and eight weeks after sustaining ankle tendon damage in the 2‑1 loss to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, where he was forced off following a challenge from James McAtee during the game.

Maatsen's injury forced the change, and John McGinn stepped in at left‑back for the final stages while manager Unai Emery had already used all five substitutes.

Injury details and timeline

Jacob Tanswell of The Athletic reported that a scan confirmed tendon damage but no fracture, meaning Maatsen could be sidelined for six to eight weeks, potentially until November, as Emery had feared a long recovery.

The defeat saw Igor Jesus net the winner, leaving Villa still searching for their first Premier League win of the season. The club sit 19th with a solitary point.

Match fallout and club context

Tanswell’s update underscores the blow to a side already struggling, with the injury likely to dampen supporters’ spirits further.

Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge capture the moment, and the report is credited By Matt Smith PM GMT+1. Here the outlet gives us a clear picture of the situation and it appears on GIVEMESPORT, a platform that aggregates Premier League news.

Matt Smith joined GIVEMESPORT in March 2023. An avid Everton supporter, he previously wrote for CaughtOffside and now contributes to Squakwa, FotMob and WhoScored. His work also reaches audiences on GiveMeSport, where he often says ‘Give us more insight’.

The setback further clouds Villa's hopes of climbing out of the relegation zone as they continue their search for a first league victory.