Leon Goretzka had certainly imagined his fresh start in England would go differently. Following his move to Aston Villa, the longtime Bayern pro must continue to wait for his debut with his new club. Knee problems are holding the 31-year-old back. He is not expected to be available again until October.
For Goretzka, the setback is particularly bitter because, after a long stretch without a club, he had just returned to regular training. His contract with FC Bayern had expired on June 30, and the midfielder was without a club for nearly two months afterward.
With his move to Aston Villa, Goretzka had hoped to finally start a new chapter in his career and compete once again at the highest level in Europe. Before that can happen, however, he’ll need to be patient.
On Instagram, the player—who has earned 73 caps for the German national team—explained why his body needs a break after such a long hiatus.
“Unfortunately, my body reacted to the increased workload. It’s frustrating, but I now need this short break to get back to my best,” Goretzka wrote.
Goretzka will also miss Klopp’s debut with the DFB
The injury has two consequences for the former Bayern star. In addition to missing his debut for Aston Villa, Goretzka will also miss the first international matches under new national team coach Jürgen Klopp.
This means the midfielder won’t be able to prove himself on the field—whether for a return or a new role—with the German national team for the time being. With 73 international appearances, Goretzka is one of the most experienced German players of his generation.
His move to England, in particular, was supposed to give him the opportunity to showcase his skills once again at the highest level. Aston Villa is one of the Premier League’s most ambitious clubs and is also competing in the Champions League.
Goretzka brings a wealth of experience to these challenges. During his long tenure with FC Bayern, he played numerous matches on the international stage and, among other achievements, won the Champions League with the Munich club.
“It’s frustrating”
Before Goretzka can bring his experience to Birmingham, however, he must first regain full fitness. After a prolonged period without a regular club routine, his body has apparently reacted to the increased workload.
The fact that the 31-year-old himself refers to it as merely a “short break” at least offers hope that this isn’t a long-term setback. Nevertheless, his debut with Aston Villa has been postponed by several weeks.
This marks the start of another test of patience for Goretzka. After leaving FC Bayern, he initially had to wait a long time for a new club; now, his return to competitive play is also being delayed.
The midfielder is expected to finally take the field for Aston Villa for the first time in October. Until then, Goretzka will have to settle for being a spectator—both at his new club and during the first international matches under Klopp.