Johan Manzambi - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Arsenal loses for first time in Premier League title defense as Tottenham's struggles continue

Arsenal slumped to a first loss of its Premier League title defense and it was a heavy one at Brighton

SEPTEMBER 19 • Associated Press

Goal and assist in full debut Manzambi scored one goal and assisted once from four shots and two chances created in Saturday's 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

Impact Manzambi made his first start for Villa away at Tottenham after an injury delayed his start to the campaign, marking the milestone with both a goal and an assist. The Switzerland international came into the starting XI at the expense of George Hemmings and provided Villa with a lethal threat on the counter alongside Nicolas Jackson, as the duo's blistering pace exploited Tottenham's defense whenever the hosts were exposed. He consistently drifted into dangerous areas, registering three additional shots, carving out another clear-cut chance for Jackson, and winning two fouls, while also prevailing in four of his seven duels before being replaced by Hemmings in the 72nd minute. It was an impressive full debut that should lock down his spot in the starting lineup so long as he remains fit.

SEPTEMBER 19 • ROTOWIRE

Makes first Premier League appearance Manzambi registered one tackle (zero won) in Saturday's 2-1 defeat against Nottingham Forest.

Impact Manzambi came on in the 63rd minute, winning zero of one tackle attempts across 27 minutes as Villa pushed for a response to Liam Delap's opener before Alysson's equalizer changed the dynamic. He was unable to make a meaningful attacking contribution in his limited time on the pitch for his first appearance in the Premier League. Manzambi will look to build on his fitness in the coming fixtures as he is expected to be one of the players to watch in the Premier League after his decent World Cup with Switzerland.

SEPTEMBER 13 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to bench Manzambi (knee) is on the bench for Saturday's Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest.

Impact Manzambi earned a spot in the matchday squad after passing his fitness assessment following Friday's training session, with coach Unai Emery confirming a decision would be made based on how he responded to the final session of the week. The attacking midfielder has yet to make a competitive appearance this season due to the knee issue, and the club opted to ease him back carefully with a bench role rather than throwing him straight into the starting lineup for his potential Aston Villa debut.

SEPTEMBER 12 • ROTOWIRE

Could make season debut Manzambi (knee) will be assessed after Friday's training session before a decision is made on his availability for Saturday's Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest, accord...

Impact Manzambi has yet to make an appearance this season due to the knee issue, but his involvement in team training throughout the week puts him closer to making his Aston Villa debut. His availability Saturday will depend on how he responds to Friday's session, and his lack of competitive action means he could initially see limited minutes if cleared. Emiliano Buendia remains a candidate to start in the No. 10 role if Manzambi isn't ready.

SEPTEMBER 11 • ROTOWIRE

Progressing but out for UCL opener Manzambi (knee) is out for Tuesday's UCL opener against Club Brugge, according to manager Unai Emery. "He's progressing very good. The doctor is keeping us updated on the informati...

Impact Manzambi has yet to make his Aston Villa debut, and while he seems to be on the verge of playing for the Midlands club, he won't be an option for the UCL opener. Thus, Emiliano Buendia is expected to remain in the No. 10 role Tuesday, whereas Manzambi could be an option to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday, though that'll depend on how his recovery progresses in the coming days.

SEPTEMBER 7 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out against Hull Manzambi (knee) will not be available for Saturday's Premier League clash against Hull City despite returning to team training, according to coach Unai Emery. "He's training with t...

Impact Manzambi continues to progress after returning to group training, but Villa are giving him additional time to rebuild his fitness rather than rushing him back against Hull. A return in Tuesday's Champions League match appears possible, while the following Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest represents another potential comeback date. With Manzambi unavailable, Emiliano Buendia is expected to start in the attacking midfield role against Hull City.

SEPTEMBER 4 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to group training Manzambi (knee) returned to group training Thursday and is progressing in his recovery, manager Unai Emery told John Townley of Birmingham Live.

Impact Manager Unai Emery stated earlier this week that he'd be careful with Manzambi's recovery, so don't expect Villa to rush things in order to have the Swiss international back as soon as possible. "We want his comeback to be clear and strong, with no risk," Emery said. As things stand now, Manzambi could be an option for the Sep. 12 matchup against Nottingham Forest, though a best-case scenario would be a return on Sep. 8 against Club Brugge in the Champions League opener.

SEPTEMBER 3 • ROTOWIRE

Set to return to team training Manzambi (knee) is set to join team training this week but needs to have his comeback handled carefully, according to coach Unai Emery, per Jacob Tanswell of The Athletic. "Manzamb...

Impact Manzambi's most likely return would come against Nottingham Forest on Sept. 12 at the earliest, given the cautious pace of his reintegration following the knee injury suffered during the World Cup. His progression to training with the group this week is a positive step, though manager Unai Emery's measured approach suggests Villa is in no rush to risk a setback.

AUGUST 31 • ROTOWIRE

Aston Villa is in turmoil after big-name departures. Next up is Arsenal in the Premier League

A few weeks into the season and Aston Villa is already in turmoil

AUGUST 27 • Associated Press

Two weeks from joining full group Manzambi (knee) has started working on the field as he continues his recovery, according to coach Unai Emery, per John Townley. "Manzambi is starting to work on the field. Maybe he...

Impact Manzambi has returned to on-field work as he continues his recovery from the knee injury suffered during the World Cup. The midfielder remains around two weeks away from returning to team training, leaving him some time before being considered for match action. Manzambi should compete for a starting role once fully fit and reintegrated.

AUGUST 23 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to grass in rehab Manzambi has resumed on-field rehab work as he steps up his recovery from a knee injury, according to Jacob Tanswell of The Athletic.

Impact Manzambi is starting to return to training after a knee injury during the World Cup, as the midfielder has started to work on grass again. This comes as Villa awaits his debut for the club, a major transfer that took place after his solid run with the Swiss at the World Cup. His role in the club is still undetermined as he tries to get back into full training, but he should rival for a starting role.

AUGUST 21 • ROTOWIRE

Will miss Super Cup Manzambi is out for the Super Cup final against PSG on Aug. 12, according to Jacob Tanswell of The Athletic.

Impact Manzambi is still recovering from a knee injury, and this will lead him to miss out on his possible first competitive match with Villa, as he will not be able to play in the Super Cup final. The good news is the club is hopeful that his injury will be weeks and not months, as he has been progressing well, and the staff has been impressed by his work. With their season opener Aug. 23, he still has a few more weeks to recover, eyeing a return when the start of the season hits.

AUGUST 4 • ROTOWIRE

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JULY 22 • FOX SPORTS

10 Premier League Transfers You May Have Missed During The World Cup

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JULY 21 • goal

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Absent from friendly Manzambi (knee) is not with the team for Tuesday's friendly against Walsall.

Impact Manzambi completed his major move to Villa just a few days ago, likely the main reason he is not featuring as they start friendly play. He is also rehabbing from a knee injury that ended his World Cup campaign early, although there are reports he has already reported to some training with his new club. The club is likely taking his return cautiously after the big signing, not wanting to risk his health, as he should be a major part of the team early into the season.

JULY 21 • ROTOWIRE

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Chelsea have reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign Morgan Rogers in a deal worth a staggering £117 million. The 23-year-old playmake...

JULY 18 • goal

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World Cup breakout star Johan Manzambi joins Aston Villa for Champions League season

World Cup breakout star Johan Manzambi has joined Champions League-bound Aston Villa in a record transfer deal for a Swiss player

JULY 17 • Associated Press

Signs for Aston Villa Manzambi has completed his move to Aston Villa from Freiburg, his new club announced.

Impact Manzambi arrives off a breakout season with Freiburg, helping the club reach the Europa League final, and a standout World Cup with Switzerland, where his introduction off the bench sparked a turnaround that carried the team to their first quarterfinal in 72 years, though a knee injury cut his tournament short before he could finish the run in the same form. Still just 20, he's regarded as one of the most exciting young midfield prospects in Europe, and Villa head coach Unai Emery sees him as a long-term successor in the middle of the park following Youri Tielemans' exit to Manchester United and Amadou Onana's own long-term World Cup injury.

JULY 17 • ROTOWIRE

Injury couldn’t keep Johan Manzambi from getting his hands on the GOAT's jersey 🇨🇭🇦🇷

JULY 12 • FOX SPORTS

Officially ruled out Manzambi (knee) will not play against Argentina after not receiving medical clearance, coach Murat Yakin said , per Blick Sport. "Johan unfortunately cannot play tomorrow. We tried...

Impact Manzambi had been one of the standout performers of the tournament before the injury, scoring three goals and adding two assists across his last three games. He suffered a non-contact knee injury in training the day before the round of 16 clash with Colombia, which forced him out of that match entirely. Switzerland were noticeably blunter going forward without him, managing just two shots on target across 120 goalless minutes before advancing on penalties. He was still unable to train in the days that followed, seen on the sideline in a knee brace, and Yakin has now confirmed he won't be risked against Argentina. Fabian Rieder is the likely beneficiary, expected to retain his spot in central midfield after deputizing in the Colombia win.

JULY 10 • ROTOWIRE

Doesn't train, in knee brace Manzambi (knee) was not in training Thursday as he watched from the side wearing a knee brace, according to ESPN Argentina.

Impact Manzambi looks to be heading towards the sidelines and another absence as the Swiss prepares for Argentina, with the midfielder not able to train and walking around in a knee brace. This brings major doubt to his availability, as with only two days until the game, he would need to see a major boost. This would leave the team without their top attacker as they face their toughest match of the tournament yet, with Ardon Jashari or Djibril Sow as possible replacements if he does remain out.

JULY 9 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out for Colombia match Manzambi has been ruled out of Switzerland's round of 16 match against Colombia after suffering a knee injury during the final training session, according to L'Equipe.

Impact Manzambi has been the breakout star of Switzerland's tournament, contributing three goals and two assists, making his absence a significant blow for the Nati ahead of a crucial knockout matchup. Fabian Rieder looks like the most likely candidate to step into the attack in his place, with Switzerland's depth in the final third set to be tested against Colombia. With Ruben Vargas and Djibril Sow both uncertain as well, Switzerland could be forced into further lineup changes, leaving manager Murat Yakin with some key decisions to make before kickoff.

JULY 7 • ROTOWIRE

Exits training early Manzambi exited training early Monday ahead of Tuesday's match against Colombia and is now questionable, according to manager Murat Yakin, per Lucas Werder of Blick. "The annoyance...

Impact Manzambi is a major concern for Switzerland as they head into their round of 16 clash, as the midfielder was forced to leave training. He has been their star in the attack this tournament with three goals and two assists, so this would be more than a major blow to the squad. That said, Ruben Vargas also left training early, another starter potentially set to miss out. If he does miss out, Fabian Rieder is a possible replacement, with Michel Aebischer (undisclosed) also unlikely to play.

JULY 6 • ROTOWIRE

Johan Manzambi with an incredible display of speed for Switzerland and gets the assist ⚡️

JULY 3 • FOX SPORTS

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