Aston Villa winger Jaden Philogene is a doubt for his side’s Premier League game against Fulham after sustaining an injury while playing for England’s Under-21s.
The 22-year-old played 84 minutes during Friday’s 2-1 win over Ukraine in an Under-21 European Championship qualifier before being withdrawn for Samuel Iling-Junior, who is on loan at Bologna from Villa.
Philogene underwent scans on Monday which showed the injury was not as bad as first feared. Philogene had made his first two starts of the season in Villa’s games before the October international break, playing 90 minutes in the 1-0 Champions League victory against Bayern Munich and the goalless draw in the Premier League with Manchester United.
The former Hull City winger’s injury only adds to the frustration regarding Villa players going on international duty with under-21 sides after manager Unai Emery was critical of the decision for Morgan Rogers to be called up in August.
“I am surprised,” said Emery. “I respect that they are not calling him for the first team, but the second team? He is not a player for the second team. Hopefully, he will come back here in good shape. Last year, (Jacob) Ramsey came back injured and barely played all season which was very painful for us and we lost a lot without him.
“What does he gain by playing in the under-21s, Morgan Rogers? He is ready in case they want to call him for the national team, I can understand. My response to it, my question is, Morgan Rogers, now he is a reality. The first six months he was here, was OK, but now he is confirming it — not to play in the under-21s. If they are calling him in the national team, the first team, OK perfect. If not, why?”
Philogene’s injury adds to Villa’s concerns ahead of the return of domestic football this weekend. Defender Ezri Konsa sustained a problem in the first half of the United game and subsequently withdrew from the England senior squad. Midfielders Jacob Ramsey, who hopes to return for Villa’s trip to Fulham, and Amadou Onana missed the match entirely after suffering injuries against Bayern.
Villa may, though, be able to welcome Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings back after the break. Emery previously said the pair were on track to return after the October internationals following their recovery from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.
Emery’s side travel to Fulham on Saturday before hosting Bologna next Tuesday.
(Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
