Express & Star

Aston Villa will assess injured Bertrand Traore

Villa will assess Bertrand Traore after the winger was injured while on international duty.

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The Burkina Faso captain has returned to the UK for treatment after suffering a muscle tear in Sunday’s 3-1 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying defeat to Cape Verde.

Traore had to be helped from the field just past the hour mark and it is questionable, at the very least, whether he will be ready for the start of Villa’s pre-season programme next month.

The 27-year-old, who has one year remaining on his contract at Villa Park, was already facing something of an uncertain future with Unai Emery keen to strengthen in wide attacking areas.

Traore spent the first half of last season on loan at Istanbul Basaksehir before being recalled in January and scored twice in eight appearances.