Alejandro Garnacho was forced off injured in just his second appearance for Aston Villa following his move from Chelsea.
The Argentine winger went down after being fouled by Ryan Edwards during the first half of Villa's pre-season friendly against BG Pathum in Thailand. He needed medical treatment on the pitch before being substituted with what was understood to be a facial injury.
Villa win despite injuries
Villa went on to win the match 3-1, with Emi Buendia, Victor Lindelof and Boubacar Kamara on the scoresheet. The club also lost captain John McGinn to injury after he hurt his knee during the game.
Garnacho had made his Villa debut against the Indonesia All Stars the previous week and had been hoping to build on that appearance before his latest setback.
Chelsea exit and loan move
Garnacho joined Villa Park on a year-long loan following an acrimonious departure from Chelsea. Sources said the conditions attached to the deal are easily achievable and that the total package meets the £43million valuation Chelsea had placed on the player.
Villa had previously shown interest in Garnacho before he left Manchester United for Chelsea last summer. He played 43 matches for Chelsea last season in all competitions but missed out on a place at the World Cup.
In the Premier League, Garnacho made 24 appearances for Chelsea, scoring one goal and providing three assists. He scored eight times in total for the club, with half of those goals coming in the Carabao Cup. He had struggled to secure a regular starting spot at Manchester United since Ruben Amorim took charge at Old Trafford.
What's next for Villa
Villa manager Unai Emery is understood to be a big admirer of the 22-year-old and is said to have played a key role in bringing him to the club.
Villa will face Borussia Monchengladbach and Bayern Munich in further pre-season friendlies before opening their Premier League campaign away to Brighton. They will also take on Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in the Super Cup after winning the Europa League.
