Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is hopeful that he could get a double injury boost when we face Juventus in the Champions League next week.
After a perfect start to our European campaign through the opening three games, we came unstuck last time out at Club Brugge in a disappointing dip in form prior to the International break.
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In turn, it’s imperative that we get back to winning ways next Wednesday night in order to solidify a top-eight position in the standings to secure automatic qualification for the next stage, but it certainly won’t be easy against a top Juventus side who are looking much more competitive this season under Thiago Motta.
Emery confirmed ahead of our encounter with Crystal Palace on Saturday that Ezri Konsa, Amadou Onana, Boubacar Kamara and Jacob Ramsey had all been ruled out due to injury, and so that does weaken us as we look to try and secure three important points in the Premier League.
However, he suggested that we could get a double boost in midweek, as both Konsa and Onana could come back into contention against Juventus, as their respective injuries are seemingly not as serious after they returned from international duty with hip and foot issues respectively.
“They have small injuries,” he told the media at his pre-match conference ahead of facing Crystal Palace this weekend. “They have to rest and recover. Each day is important. Maybe [they] could come back for the next match, but I have to focus on the players we have now.”
It would undoubtedly be a vital boost for us to get that key duo back, as Konsa’s influence and impact in defence goes without saying, while with Kamara also sidelined, Onana’s solidity and physical presence in midfield alongside Youri Tielemans could be crucial as we look to dictate and dominate the game at Villa Park.
Conversely, we don’t want to rush either of the pair back and risk aggravating their problems and thus run the risk of seeing them sidelined for longer, and so it’s hoped that there is positive news in the coming days on their condition and status, as they will have pivotal roles to play against Juventus if available.