Aston Villa’s Birkir Bjarnason suffered an injury against Rotherham United.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce gestures to their fans
Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has told the club’s official website that midfielder Birkir Bjarnason looks to have damaged knee ligaments against Rotherham United.
Villa coasted to a third straight win on Saturday afternoon, as after beating Derby County 1-0 and Bristol City 2-0 over the last week, Villa picked up a 2-0 win at Rotherham United.
Will Vaulks’ own goal put Villa in front, before Jonathan Kodjia smashed a second for Steve Bruce’s men in a comfortable win over the Championship’s bottom club.
Villa’s relegation have quickly evaporated with three straight wins, but it’s not all good news for manager Bruce after a couple of injury worries at the New York Stadium.
Midfielder Birkir Bjarnason was taken off with an injury on 33 minutes, and his replacement Jack Grealish lasted just 11 minutes before a knock to his knee led to Jordan Amavi’s introduction.
The injury to Bjarnason continued his difficult start at Villa Park, as the Iceland international has largely failed to impress since arriving from Basel in January, though his effort has been exemplary.
The 28-year-old could have scored from close range against Rotherham but was denied before sending an overhead kick over the bar, and was then taken off with a knee injury.
Newcastle United’s Ciaran Clark (L) in action with Aston Villa’s Birkir Bjarnason
After the game, manager Bruce told the club’s official website that Bjarnason has damaged knee ligaments, but remarkably wanted to carry on playing, with Bruce praising his toughness.
Bruce added that it will take time for Bjarnason to impress due to the difference in style from Basel to Villa, and made a plea to fans for them to be patient with the midfielder as he looks to fight back from his setback.
“Birkir Bjarnason looks like he’s damaged his knee ligaments,” said Bruce, “He wanted to get back on. He’s a tough so-and-so. He was in a bad way in the changing room. You know when he goes down it’s bad.
“He could have scored but was unfortunate. It will take time. He’s used to playing in Switzerland…Basel have 90 percent of the ball. He’s getting used to playing in England. There’s no doubts he will be a good player for us but that’s a setback for him. Let’s hope it’s not too serious,” he added
What have you thought of Bjarnason’s start to life at Villa?
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