Aston Villa will not lose Rudy Gestede early next year.
Aston Villa’s Rudy Gestede in action
Aston Villa have received a boost for the season ahead after Rudy Gestede’s Benin failed to qualify for the African Cup of Nations.
Benin needed to beat Mali to qualify for the tournament this past weekend, with Gestede starting for his country.
He did not find the scoresheet and Benin lost 5-2 to Mali, who booked their place in the finals.
Aston Villa’s Rudy Gestede scores
The result means Gestede will not be missing a month’s worth of action in January when the tournament take place.
The short-term disappointment for the 27-year-old will be appreciated at Villa Park, as new signing Jonathan Kodjia is expected to be flying off.
Kodjia scored for Ivory Coast at the weekend against Sierra Leone in a 1-1 draw which confirmed their qualification.
Jonathan Kodjia – Bristol City
Having Gestede available is certainly welcome for Villa, considering Jordan Ayew is another potential absentee with Ghana along with Kodjia.
Ghana and Ivory Coast were always expected to qualify while Benin were more of a long shot to make the finals.
Former Blackburn striker Gestede has two goals in four Championship starts this season so far.
Rudy Gestede of Aston Villa in action
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
