Express & Star

Aston Villa wait on full Ezri Konsa hip update

Villa are hopeful Ezri Konsa's hip injury is a minor one after the defender limped out of England duty.

Published
Last updated

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Versatile defender Konsa, 27, showed signs of discomfort in the first half and was replaced by Newcastle debutant Lewis Hall at half-time during the 3-0 win over Greece in Athens.

Konsa will have a scan as Unai Emery and Villa await the outcome hopeful that any issue proves just a "slight problem", as interim Three Lions boss Lee Carsley suggested afterwards.

It was added that Konsa would return to Villa immediately if there were any doubts over his fitness, with England set to face Republic of Ireland at Wembley in their final Nations League fixture on Sunday.

Carsley added: "He was actually OK just then, in terms of walking around and he's in a good place." 

Ezri Konsa on England duty. Pic: PA
Ezri Konsa on England duty. Pic: PA

Meanwhile, Carsley has explained the importance England took with Villa's Morgan Rogers after the 22-year-old made his senior England bow from the bench in Greece. Rogers impressed and linked up with former youth team-mate Jude Bellingham as England scored a second through an own goal.

"He's been really good at Villa," Carsley added of Halesowen-born Rogers, formerly of Albion. "He could probably have been in the squad a little bit sooner but it was important we took our time with him because hopefully he'll be here for a while.”

Villa boss Emery has previously been outspoken of England's decision to continue calling Rogers up to under-21s level while the attacking midfielder awaited a maiden senior call.