Amadou Onana admits the last few weeks on the sidelines have been deeply frustrating after rushing himself back to action at the start of February.

The Aston Villa midfielder has missed 15 matches in all competitions this season due to different injuries, including the last six having returned in the second half of the 2-0 defeat at Wolves before then being sidelined again.

Signed from Everton in a deal worth £50m, Onana scored in each of Villa’s first three away matches of the campaign against West Ham, Leicester City and BSC Young Boys.

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But injuries have stunted his progress under Unai Emery this season and he hasn’t played in the Champions League since matchweek three in the league phase against Bologna.

Ahead of Villa’s round of 16 first leg at Club Brugge, Onana spoke with RTL about his injury setbacks.

“I can’t wait to pick up where I left off,” he said. “Even though I’ve kept my spirits up, the last few weeks have been pretty frustrating.

"Now I’m gradually getting back into the swing of things. I’m taking my time to get back to my best.

"During my previous period of absence, I rushed my return a little in view of the circumstances, in particular the numerous injuries in the midfield.

"I sacrificed myself a little, in quotation marks, but I have no regrets.”

Speaking to Pickx Sports, Onana added: "My aim this season is to get back on the pitch in good health and perform at the same level as before.

“I've got off to a pretty good start with four goals, but there's still a lot to do.”

Onana has made a total of 22 appearances for Villa this campaign, starting 14 of the club’s 28 league games.