Buendía back in matchday squad

Emi Buendía returned to Aston Villa’s matchday squad for the opening match of our USA tour against the Columbus Crew.

The Argentinian attacking midfielder has not featured for Villa since pre-season last summer having recovered from a knee ligament injury.

Joe Gauci was named in Unai Emery’s starting XI for the encounter in Ohio, with the likes of Pau Torres, Ross Barkley, Morgan Rogers and Leon Bailey also starting against the reigning MLS Cup Champions.

Supporters can watch the encounter at Lower.com Field live on VillaTV+.

Aston Villa: Gauci, Nedeljković, Feeney, Torres, Moreno, Rogers, Barkley, Barrenechea, Iling Jr, Bailey, Archer.

Subs: Zych, Wright, Cash, Carlos, Digne, Maatsen, Bogarde, Hayden, Onana, Dendoncker, Buendía, Philogene, Dobbin.