Aston Villa quietly revisit a familiar midfield option as injuries bite

January 27, 2026 Aksel Kryhlmand

Aston Villa are navigating a delicate period in the campaign as fitness issues begin to shape decision making behind the scenes. Rather than reacting publicly or rushing into the market, the club is understood to be holding internal discussions about how best to manage a thinning midfield group while maintaining performance levels across competitions.

The situation is not framed as an emergency, but as a strategic reassessment prompted by circumstance. Squad familiarity, adaptability and timing are central to the conversation as Villa balance immediate needs with longer term planning.

Injuries reshape Villa’s midfield outlook

The pressure on Villa’s midfield has increased following confirmed absences to two senior players. Boubacar Kamara has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, removing a key defensive midfielder who plays a central role in controlling tempo and transitions.

John McGinn is also expected to miss around six weeks, further limiting rotation options during a congested run of fixtures. With fewer experienced midfielders available, the club is assessing whether internal solutions alone can cover the workload without increasing risk elsewhere in the squad.

A familiar figure re enters internal discussions

According to The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell, Aston Villa are giving serious consideration to the idea of bringing Douglas Luiz back to Villa Park. The Brazil international spent five seasons at the club and was a regular presence in midfield during one of Villa’s most stable periods in recent years.

Luiz made over 170 league appearances for Villa, contributing both defensively and in possession, and was part of the squad that qualified for the Champions League for the first time in decades. His familiarity with the club environment and the Premier League is understood to be a significant factor in the internal review.

At this stage, no formal talks have taken place with his current club. The discussion remains exploratory, focused on feasibility rather than execution.

Experience and continuity factor into planning

Club officials are believed to be weighing how quickly a returning player could integrate under current conditions. Luiz’s previous experience under different managers at Villa, as well as his tactical versatility, are seen as qualities that could reduce adaptation time if a move were to progress.

Financial considerations and squad balance are also part of the evaluation. Villa’s recent transfer history suggests a preference for controlled decision making rather than short term fixes, particularly during mid season periods shaped by injury rather than long term gaps.

A measured approach during a demanding phase

For now, Villa’s focus remains on managing available resources while monitoring recovery timelines. Any further movement would depend on internal conclusions, the broader market landscape, and how effectively the squad copes in the coming weeks.

The situation reflects a club attempting to stay proactive rather than reactive, using familiarity and experience as reference points rather than guarantees.

Sources: The Athletic