Aston Villa forward Evann Guessand has been designated as a reserve player for Ivory Coast’s squad in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The 24-year-old striker is among two standby players named by Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae, ready to step in if any last-minute withdrawals occur before the tournament.
Alongside Guessand, Charleroi midfielder Parfait Guiagon has also been selected as a reserve. Guessand recently returned to training at Villa’s Bodymoor Heath facility after missing the Premier League clash against Arsenal due to injury. He traveled with the team to Basel ahead of their Europa League fixture against the Swiss club, which took place on Wednesday evening.
Signed from Nice during the summer transfer window for £30 million, Guessand has been a regular starter in Villa’s Europa League campaign, featuring in all five group stage matches so far. However, his Premier League appearances have been limited to just six starts, and he is still seeking his first goal in England’s top flight this season. His lone goal came against Go Ahead Eagles before Villa’s unexpected loss in Deventer.
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As Aston Villa aim to secure their fifth victory in six Europa League group matches, Guessand’s role as a standby player highlights his ongoing importance to both club and country. Fans can stay updated on all Aston Villa news and match coverage through BirminghamLive’s dedicated football desk, offering comprehensive reports from training sessions, press conferences, and matchdays.