Aston Villa host Everton in the Premier League on Sunday, and Unai Emery has provided our latest team news ahead of the encounter.
After being held by Crystal Palace just over a week ago, Villa defeated Tottenham in the FA Cup last time out to get back to winning ways and continue our impressive form in recent months.
With Emery and the players looking to solidify our position in the top four in the league standings and push for loftier ambitions and objectives, we’ll be desperate to keep our exceptional home form going this weekend, but Everton will pose a threat with the quality in their ranks.
Want more Villa news? Subscribe to Talk Villa+ below for ad-free weekly newsletters, exclusive articles and much more sent directly to you. The TalkVilla podcast is also now available, have a listen, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or YouTube. UTV!
Injuries are also becoming an increasing concern with Boubacar Kamara suffering a setback in that win over Spurs, and so with Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley already sidelined with issues of their own, there was a fear that we might be left light in that department for this game.
There was better news last week though with Pau Torres returning to the starting line-up while Tyrone Mings made his comeback on the bench, but there was lingering uncertainty over Emiliano Martinez after he was forced to sit out our last game due to a calf problem.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Emery provided a fresh injury update, and it’s fair to say that it wasn’t a particular positive one, starting with a deflating update on Kamara.
“Kamara, of course, is out,” said the Villa boss, as per VillaTV. “It’s his knee.
“We’re checking him, he’s visiting some doctors as well.
“We’re going to know about him in a few days.
“Now, he’s not available, and maybe for a long time, hopefully not so, so long time but we’re checking him.”
Emery continued: “Onana is not available for Sunday, he’s ruled out.
“Barkley as well is ruled out.
“Both are progressing very well. In a few weeks, maybe Onana even next week, they can be training with us. Ross Barkley will need maybe some time more.
“Alysson is still being a little bit in pain and is not ready for Sunday.
“Emiliano Martínez is progressing well but tomorrow we’ll assess him if he’ll be available for Sunday or not.”
In the more immediate future, it’s hoped that Martinez is passed fit by the medical staff to return this weekend, and if Onana resumes training next week, that will be a significant boost with key games coming up across the three competitions we remain in.
Naturally, fingers are now crossed for a positive update on Kamara and that he can return to play a significant role in the rest of our season still, while the sooner Alysson is healthy and ready to integrate and adapt, the better.
For now though, all of our focus will be on Everton and we still have a strong line-up available, albeit the bench may look very light as we await the arrival of reinforcements this month too.
I can’t help but think that Enzo Barrenechea should be part of Villa’s squad. It was reported that he was very good at Sevilla last year. With Kamara’s repaired knee, Barkley’s age/injury record, and Onana’s injury record, one has to wonder why Enzo isn’t here. It may seem like hindsight, but at the time, many were wondering why he wasn’t part of our squad, after that first preseason showing. Right?
News Flash: Tammy Abraham’s return to Aston Villa, earns him an England call up and a world Cup spot, after the his immense form in the second half of the Premiere League season. He will be joining team mate Ollie Watkins, for the trip to the States, as front line support for Harry Kane. Far fetched?