Aston Villa midfield cog Boubacar Kamara ruled out for rest of the season

The French international was injured during Villa's 2-1 FA Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur on January 10 and travelled to Lyon for an operation on Thursday. While he will complete his rehabilitation at Bodymoor Heath, medical sources have indicated the damage is serious enough to rule him out for the remainder of the campaign and leaves his hopes of adding to his five France caps - and making the World Cup squad later this year - in serious doubt.

Kamara's absence is keenly felt at Villa Park. Since arriving on a free transfer from Marseille in 2022, the 26-year-old has become central to Unai Emery's system, with Villa losing only two matches he has started this season. He has featured 18 times in the Premier League, scoring once, as Villa have surged to third place in the table, seven points behind leaders Arsenal.

The long-term nature of the injury has already forced Villa into the market. The club are exploring a potential move for AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, whom they see as a suitable option to help plug the gap in midfield. Financial constraints under profitability and sustainability regulations mean Villa would prefer a loan deal, though Loftus-Cheek has been a regular squad member at Milan since his move from Chelsea in 2023.

Kamara's setback compounds a growing injury list. Captain John McGinn is expected to miss "some weeks" with a knee problem after being forced off in the recent defeat to Everton, while Amadou Onana has also been sidelined. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has not travelled for Villa's Europa League trip to Fenerbahce due to a calf issue, although Onana has made the journey and Jhon Duran is available after Uefa reduced his suspension.

Beyond midfield, Villa are also assessing their attacking options following the sale of Donyell Malen to Roma. The club are seeking an experienced striker, with Tammy Abraham and Jean-Philippe Mateta among those under consideration, while work is ongoing to terminate Harvey Elliott's loan from Liverpool.

For now, however, the focus remains on coping without one of Emery's most influential players, as Villa attempt to maintain their push at the top end of the Premier League and in Europe without Kamara anchoring the midfield.

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