Fenerbahçe forward Jhon Duran has been given the all clear to play against his former club Aston Villa on Thursday night.
The Colombia international was set to miss the Europe League tie after being given a two-match ban after Fener’s clash with Ferencvaros in November.
Duran was sent off for violent conduct against the Hungarian club. On appeal his suspension has been reduced by UEFA to one game, allowing him to face Villa.
This now presents an interesting scenario with Duran, just 12 months after he left Aston Villa. He impressed at times during his time with the Premier League side, scoring some important goals.
However, Duran was seen as back up to Ollie Watkins by Unai Emery. This resulted in the player being sold to Al-Nassr FC in January 2025.
The Birmingham club received a significant transfer fee for a player they only purchased for around £15m.
However, his move to Saudi Arabia didn’t satisfy Duran for long, and he was loaned to Fenerbahçe in the summer. Following Duran’s Aston Villa exit, there were suggestions the club knew they needed to get rid of a difficult player.
Player seen as potential Aston Villa nemesis
Turkish journalist Veli Yiğit believes Duran could be the difference when Aston Villa travel to Istanbul for their Europa League group stage tie.
They say the Colombian could be “The guy who tears Aston Villa apart” as he faces his former club.
Veli Yiğit stated: “An interesting story could come out of Jhon Duran. If he becomes the guy who tears Aston Villa apart after his suspension is lifted, it would be one hell of a wild tale.”
Unai Emery’s side go into the game off the back of a home defeat to Everton at the weekend. Due to injuries, Emery’s squad is depleted at the moment
Fenerbahçe beat Alanyaspor on Sunday to remain second in the Super Lig table.
Both clubs go into this week’s game in a strong position in the Europa League table. Aston Villa are currently in the automatic qualifying places and on level points with leaders Lyon.
Fener also have the opportunity to climb into the top eight if they can get a victory over the Premier League club.
