Aston Villa star Youri Tielemans could miss the rest of the season with a muscle injury, according to a report.
The Belgian has been a key cog in the midfielder for Unai Emery and has turned in several crucial performances for the Villans in their quest for Champions League qualification, including his match-winning contribution against Fulham last weekend.
The 28-year-old, who has featured in every Premier League match this season, could be unavailable for Villa's remaining clashes against Bournemouth, Tottenham and Manchester United, according to The Athletic.
Villa currently sit seventh in the Premier League, three points behind Newcastle and Chelsea in fourth and fifth place respectively.
Emery's side likely need to win all three matches to secure Champions League football.
This term, Tielemans, who joined the club on a free transfer from Leicester in 2023, has made 52 appearances and registered five goals and 10 assists.
His injury is the second major blow in a matter of weeks for the west Midlands outfit, following the hamstring issue that is expected to keep on-loan Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford out until the end of the campaign.
This week, Villa were left incensed by the Premier League's decision to bring forward their match against Spurs by 48 hours, accusing the governing body of ‘clear prejudice’.
Villa’s final game at home this season has been switched from 2.15pm on May 18 – a Sunday – to 7.30pm on May 16, ahead of Spurs’ possible participation in the Europa League Final on May 21.
The switch would give Tottenham more time to prepare for that fixture, which could bring them only their second trophy this century and their first in Europe since 1984.
But Villa believe little consideration has been given to their own attempts to finish in the top five and qualify for the Champions League – nor to their supporters who may now have to change plans at short notice, with the game rescheduled at only 10 days’ notice.
Villa chief Monchi said: ‘The change of the fixture of Tottenham is not what we wanted. We were not entitled to keep it and we got the least damaging alternative.
‘Our fans didn't deserve but we tried hard to keep the match to protect the most important for us: YOU and OUR TEAM. We need you on Friday.’