Nakamba Not In Villa's Match-day Squad As Premier League Resumes
Zimbabwean midfielder Marvelous Nakamba was not in the match-day squad when Aston Villa resumed their English Premiership campaign against Liverpool on Boxing Day.
Villa fell to a 3-1 defeat in Unai Emery’s first English Premier League loss while in charge of the Birmingham-based side. Emery had started off his tenure with two wins.
Nakamba, who fell out of favour with former head coaches Dean Smith, Steven Gerrard and his interim successor Aaron Danks, is still finding it difficult to get game time under the new coach.
The Spaniard on Monday fielded his favoured midfield trio of John McGinn, Boubakar Camara and Douglas Luiz in the engine room, as Jacob Ramsey, missed the game due to injury.
Nakamba has not played a part for Villa in the English Premier League this season, with 16 games played to date and has apparently become a target for the January clean-out in the bloated Villa midfield. Reported the Birmingham Mail:
Villa’s squad is bloated in the midfield department with game-time for Marvelous Nakamba and Morgan Sanson looking unlikely while Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara dominate the double pivot position Emery prefers.
Players such as Jacob Ramsey, Emi Buendia and John McGinn have all found ways to operate in the new boss’ plans given their attacking talents, which allows them to play further up the field in the chosen 4-2-2-2 formation. It is a switch which isn’t as easy for the more defensive-minded players waiting in the wings.
Nakamba, who turns 29 this January, played an important part during the early days of Gerrard’s tenure at the club. But his case became complicated following a serious knee injury that kept him out for five months.
However, Nakamba still has a running contract with Villa which expires in 2024. A loan deal is more likely in January, as he doesn’t seem to be in Emery’s plans.
Nakamba played a combined 20 minutes in the three friendly games against Brighton &Hove Albion, Chelsea and Villarreal as Villa stepped up their match fitness in readiness for the return of Premier League action.
Emery had indicated he wanted a closer look at Nakamba before making a decision ahead of the January transfer window.
