Man Utd handed Champions League boost after as major injury update provided

Boubacar Kamara is likely to miss the rest of Aston Villa’s season after suffering an ACL injury against Manchester United.

Alongside Douglas Luiz, the Frenchman has formed the bedrock of Villa’s midfield in 2023-24. His arrival on a free transfer from Marseille just over 18 months ago was arguably Steven Gerrard’s only real lasting legacy at the club.

Kamara has developed into one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers under Unai Emery until recent displays against Newcastle United and Chelsea. Despite that, his absence deals a crushing blow to Villa’s Champions League hopes.

He was hooked on 65 minutes as United earned a 2-1 win in the Midlands. That victory lifted the Red Devils to within five points of Villa in fifth - a potential Champions League spot come the end of the season. A new format for Europe's elite competition will see more teams in the tournament next term, with two extra spots for the two countries with the highest UEFA coefficients. England have been in the top two coefficients in six of the last seven seasons.

United are hitting their stride just as Emery’s men appear to be slipping. Villa have lost their last three home games across all competitions - and have now lost a key man in the engine room.

A club statement confirmed Kamara “suffered a significant knee ligament injury” and he will be assessed by a knee specialist. The 24-year-old also faces a race against time to be fit for France’s Euro 2024 campaign.

“Aston Villa can confirm Boubacar Kamara has suffered a significant knee ligament injury,” an update read. “The midfielder sustained the damage during yesterday’s fixture with Manchester United and has subsequently undergone a scan this morning. Kamara’s condition will be reviewed ahead of a further consultation with a knee specialist.”