McLeish have signed Charles N’Zogbia form Wigan and Shay Given from Manchester City so far this summer.
Villa lost 2-0 in a friendly on Wednesday to Derby County.
“We need to strengthen,” McLeish told Sky Sports News. “We’ve still got people like Charles to come in as well.
“There were seven players rested that will come back for the Braga game.
“We know at this stage of the season the result, although I don’t like losing any game and I let them know that in the dressing room, is not as important as fitness in pre-season.”
