It never rains but it pours. Having firmly established himself as the go-to defensive midfielder under head coach Steven Gerrard, Marvelous Nakamba’s season is now over for at least the next three months.
With some impressive personal showings from the 27-year-old as we’ve begun getting our season back on track, his substitution in the tight defeat to Liverpool took a lot of fans by surprise but not everybody saw him going off with a slight limp.
You'll come back stronger, @Nakamba_11. 💪
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 17, 2021
As we know, since then Gerrard had confirmed he had taken a knock, and having missed out on the Norwich City victory, he was down for a scan and subsequently surgery to correct the problem.
Although the surgery went as well as could be expected, the recovery period will see him out of action for at least the next three months and if does of course mean that he is out of Zimbabwe’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign in the New Year.
Speaking to the BBC ahead of Saturday’s clash with Burnley, Gerrard gave an update on Nakamba.
“The surgeon is really happy with how it’s gone and now he’ll start his recovery process and recovery plan. He’s going to be missing for somewhere in the region of 12 weeks if it is a fantastic rehab. Or it could be up to 16 weeks.”
Such a shame really as Marvelous was beginning to live up to his name and was making a very good impact in the middle for us given the tweaks Gerrard has made. Have to hope it’s only the 12 weeks and nothing more, but least it’s not a season over issue for us, but it does raise questions about January strengthening now.
You’ll be back soon 👍🏻
— Nigel B6🦁⭐️ (@B6Nigel) December 17, 2021
So humble didn’t want to steal kantes limelight
— Aston🏴🍻 (@AVFC_Aston) December 17, 2021
Never let us down whenever called upon, now one of the first names on the team sheet, speedy recovery Marvelous🤞🏼 #utv
— Paul Linton (@MrPJLinton) December 17, 2021
Always the same, as soon as a player finally starts to find their feet, the Villa injury curse strikes again 🙈
— Dan AVFC (@dan_AVFC88) December 17, 2021
Get your smile back Naka you're on the way back and being loved by all UTV VTID
— steve swindell (@planetkipper) December 17, 2021
Terrible luck, the bloke has been an absolute beast for us the last month
— Notes In Pencil (@notes_in_pencil) December 17, 2021
Good luck in your recovery Marvelous hope it's speedy and successful. #utv
— BobV3 (@BobVee3) December 17, 2021
Should Villa Be Looking For A DM In January?
Yes
No
