Sunday saw us beat local rivals Birmingham City 4-2 at Villa Park but it wasn’t all smiles on the day. Albert Adomah was literally carried off in what looked like a pretty nasty injury to the Ghanian.
At first, it didn’t look that bad as he looked to be limping but the pain must have been unbearable as the physio had to resort to giving him a piggy-back down the tunnel. It is yet to be revealed just how serious the injury is. However, he was photographed in a boot-type support and crutches after the game.
Adomah returns to form
If the injury is as serious as it looks then we could be without Adomah for some time. This would be a huge blow to a player who has returned to form under Dean Smith. His pace on the wing has been there for all to see. He also has the ability to beat the opposition which is refreshing.
The 30-year-old winger picked up his first assists of the season on Sunday. Both came from crosses. The first saw him find his good pal Jonathan Kodjia to get Villa level. Then he sent over a delightful cross just moments later for Jack Grealish to head home at the far post.
To think that Steve Bruce tried to force him out in the summer. It was rumoured he would be on his way to Middlesborough on deadline day. There were even reports that he became upset at the way he was treated by Bruce, despite his good form last season.
Who replaces Adomah?
This begs the question as to who will replace Adomah in the team? Although injuries are never good news, it does create an opportunity for another squad player to make the position his own.
The obvious and most likely choice is Ahmed Elmohamady. The 31-year-old has been a tad unlucky for finding himself back on the bench. He has contributed to 4 assists and 2 goals in his 16 appearances so far this season. Elmohamady has featured in all of Smith’s games so far.
The other option is Dutch winger, Anwar El Ghazi. El Ghazi has failed to make a real impact since joining on loan from Lille in the summer. His last appearance came in the defeat to Norwich, where, in my opinion, he looked very lazy and not interested.
Bruce allowed Andre Green to go out on loan to Portsmouth but should Adomah’s injury be long term, Smith may look to recall the 20-year-old. Green has failed to make an impact while on loan. Although you could argue that is down to injury. He played his first game in a 3-1 over Tottenham Academy and got on the scoresheet two weeks ago.
If I was to put on my Football Manager hat on then I think I would have to go with Elmohamady. Although it could be argued that El Ghazi has more flair to his game, Elmohammy has been consistent. He can cross the ball and his stats this season back this up.
The fact he links up well with man of the moment, Alan Hutton is also an added bonus.
Who would you play if Albert is out for a long time? Have your say in the comments below.
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Love this bloke ❤️
Get Bolasie in the starting line up now, it’s his chance to shine 😎