Leon Goretzka himself recently emphasized that joining Aston Villa was the right choice. However, the 31-year-old likely won’t be able to make his debut for the Villans until October, as he announced on Instagram.
Leon Goretzka’s transfer summer dragged on for a long time. At the end of August, shortly before the transfer window closed, the moment finally arrived: After his contract with FC Bayern expired, Goretzka found a new club in Aston Villa. The 31-year-old seemed happy when he arrived in Birmingham—and at the same time, full of enthusiasm.
But when it comes to his debut, Villa fans—as well as Goretzka himself—will have to be patient for now. On Monday evening, the player with 73 caps for the German national team addressed the fans of his new club via Instagram.
His body has “reacted to the increased workload following my time away from the field,” writes the Bochum native. “It’s frustrating, but I need this short break now to return at full strength.” After the World Cup, little had happened despite potential transfer options. Goretzka kept his cards close to his chest while searching for a club before signing with Aston Villa on August 27.
Debut for Villa on October 10 at the earliest
He made it clear right at the start of his message that the move to Birmingham was the right one for him: “After my first few days at this club, the feeling that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be has grown stronger with each passing day.”
Goretzka now wants to “use the coming days, including the international break, to fully recover. “Then I’ll be ready again to fight for you and for Villa.” For national team coach Jürgen Klopp, he will be ruled out as a possible option for the time being.
Goretzka was absent from coach Unai Emery’s lineup in the 0-1 loss to Arsenal and the 0-0 draw against promoted Hull City. He will therefore also miss Tuesday’s Champions League opener at Club Brugge. According to his own statements, Goretzka is not expected to make his debut until after the international break—meaning no earlier than October 10 at Villa Park against Brentford FC.
