Aston Villa boss Unai Emery says midfielder Emi Buendia could be out for up to eight months with a knee ligament injury.
The 26-year-old Argentina international sustained the “significant” problem during training on Wednesday and has had a scan on the issue.
“It’s a six, seven, or eight-month injury,” said Emery.
Villa open their Premier League campaign with a game at Newcastle United on Saturday at 17:30 BST.
“It’s a tough moment for him, but we want to play on Saturday, thinking to win and be competitive for him,” added Emery.
Buendia scored three times for Villa during pre-season.
Posting on Instagram, he wrote: “If my parents taught me anything since I was a kid, it’s to never give up, and this bad time I have to live is no exception.
“Already positive and minded in a good and speedy recovery.”
Buendia was a key part of Villa’s squad last season, playing all of the club’s league matches, scoring five goals, and was set to feature prominently in the 2023-24 campaign.
He was Villa’s record signing in 2021 when he moved in a £33m transfer from Norwich City.
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