Emi Buendia

[Smithy]

This is awful news, and I wish him a speedy recovery.  He looked great in pre-season, so thought he could really step it up a notch this season. 

I think this might put an end to any plans (if they were real) to let Coutinho go?

[Monty]

Sucks beyond measure. The only midfielder we've got to combine pressing and creativity like he does is Jacob Ramsey - also injured!

Newcastle continue their run of absolute jam before a ball is even kicked.

[Ian.]

Absolutely gutted. He’s one of my favourite players to watch. I love his technique and tenacity for us. Had high hopes for him this season.

[paul_e]

I can't see the club saying "significant" if there's a decent chance it's going to be a best case scenario. We can hope it is but I reckon the odds are stacked towards him being out for most, if not all, of the season.

Is missing half a season not significant then?

[PeterWithesShin]

We'll find out but I know where my money is.

[Billy Walker]

I'm gutted for Emi and wish him a speedy and strong recovery.  Who knows, maybe he'll be back for us just in time for our title push in April?  Either way, they say you should never let a good crisis go to waste - a bit of wheeling and dealing before the window closes and we can still come out of all this stronger than ever.   UTV

[Toronto Villa]

For a club has been criticized at times for not being transparent with unity updates, I don’t the use of the word significant was an accident. Half a season isn’t insignificant but like Mr Shin, I’m leaning towards back in April at the absolute earliest vs back in January. Good thing is he’s a fit and determined lad so I’ve no doubt he’ll put the work in to get back as soon possible.

[eamonn]

Paul, I appreciate that you're generally a glass half full kinda guy when it comes to the Villa (as is your old sparring partner, Ads, ironically) but I'd rather prepare for the worst on this one.

If Buendia plays a key part this season at all, I will be delighted.

[Toronto Villa]

Just seen Madrid keeper Courtois has just done his ACL also.

[Monty]

Yeah I mean, with big injuries there's often a not insignificant margin for error - but I think 4 months would exceed it. I'd say March at best.

[Olneythelonely]

Just seen Madrid keeper Courtois has just done his ACL also.

Can we lock Emi in a cupboard please?

[Toronto Villa]

Just seen Madrid keeper Courtois has just done his ACL also.

Can we lock Emi in a cupboard please?

Yeh…you know that fucking train is coming. Don’t they still have Navas on the books?

[AGRIPPA]

And we all think Carlos isn't the same player after his injury.  What is Emi going to be like with his running and body movement?

Not sure how anyone can judge that cus we saw nowt of him last season …

[Flamingo Lane]

Such a shame. When Mcginn, Luiz, Ramsey and Buendia went up through the gears last season it was a joy to watch.

[paul_e]

Paul, I appreciate that you're generally a glass half full kinda guy when it comes to the Villa (as is your old sparring partner, Ads, ironically) but I'd rather prepare for the worst on this one.

If Buendia plays a key part this season at all, I will be delighted.

You misunderstand me, this isn't about being glass-half full, I've said a few times this summer that I'd sell Buendia so it's not like I'm desperate for him to come back or think this is a huge blow to our season.

It's just that, without any information on which ligament he's done or the extent to which it's damaged, what we know is that he's out until Christmas, anything more is speculation, it might well be more likely but it's still guesswork. I also think half the season has to be considered significant so I don't think the wording implies it's on the more extreme end of the scale either. I'm not predicting anything here, just trying to say that writing him off until next season (as many seem to be doing) isn't based on any real facts.

All I'm really getting at is that it's a safe to say that he won't be in the premier league or European squads when we announce them in a few weeks but there's also currently no reason to believe he won't be considered to be added back in after the January window.

If you want a prediction I'd say a return in late Feb/early March is the most likely so he could be available for 10-15 league games still.