Aston Villa’s Premier League title ambitions have taken a significant hit after midfielder Youri Tielemans was ruled out for up to 10 weeks with an ankle injury.

The Belgian international picked up the problem during Villa’s 2-0 victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday. He was forced off in the 74th minute following a challenge involving Lewis Miley.

Tielemans’ absence further deepens Villa’s midfield crisis, with Boubacar Kamara and John McGinn already sidelined. McGinn is expected to miss around two months with a knee injury, while Kamara is unlikely to feature again this season due to a similar issue.

Villa manager Unai Emery confirmed the extent of the setbacks on Wednesday.

“We know about Kamara, McGinn and Tielemans,” Emery said. “Kamara will be out for a long time and probably won’t play again this season. McGinn is around six to eight weeks away, and Tielemans is out for eight to ten weeks.

“We now have to see how we can manage our central midfielders in the matches ahead.”

Currently third in the Premier League, Villa are bidding to win their first league title since 1981 and sit just four points behind leaders Arsenal.

There is some positive news for Emery, however, with Douglas Luiz close to returning to the club. The 27-year-old Brazilian, who previously made more than 200 appearances for Villa, left for Juventus in 2024 and has spent the first half of the season on loan at Nottingham Forest. He is now set to rejoin Villa Park for the remainder of the campaign.

Emery also revealed that other midfield reinforcements are nearing full fitness.

“Amadou Onana will be coming back, and Barkley should be back in a few days,” he said. “He’s been training individually and is very close. I think Luiz is close to happening as well.”

Despite their injury concerns, Villa remain in strong European form. They host RB Salzburg in the Europa League group stage on Thursday, having already secured qualification for the last 16 and aiming to seal top spot in the league phase with a win.