New signing Mbwana Samatta could make Aston Villa bow in cup semi-final
Villa expect Mbwana Samatta to receive his work permit by the end of the week with the new signing potentially making his debut in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg with Leicester.
Samatta’s £8.5million move from Genk was officially announced earlier this week but the Tanzania international striker still requires a work visa.
Boss Dean Smith, who has fielded four consecutive starting XIs without a striker, anticipates the 27-year-old being available for the cup showdown with the Foxes.
“He’s having an interview for his visa so that’ll go through and we expect him to be training with us by the end of the week, which gives everybody a lift,” said Smith.
“Tuesday night (v Watford) was our fourth game without a recognised striker. Anwar El Ghazi, Jack (Grealish) and Trezeguet have had a good go. Indiana Vassilev has also made an impact.”
Villa have been without a senior striker since record buy Wesley suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Samatta, who netted against Liverpool in this season’s Champions League, was also a target last summer and while Smith has not watched him in the flesh, he has been heavily scouted by sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch and his team.
“I haven’t seen him live yet but I’ve probably watched about eight or nine games of his,” said Smith. “Suso has certainly seen him and other scouts who we’ve sent out to watch him.
“He’s a goal-scorer with a great record and he’s athletic. If anybody saw the Champions League this year you’ve seen the goals he’s scored in that. It was a great header against Liverpool.
“He’s got a great all-round game and I’m looking forward to working with him.”
