Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has provided our latest team news ahead of facing Chelsea in the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge on Friday night.
Villa saw off Middlesbrough in the last round through a late deflected winner from Matty Cash, but we now face another difficult challenge away from home against our Premier League rivals to continue advancing in the competition.
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It had been hoped that there would be positive news on the injury front in order to give us the best possible chance to do that, especially off the back of our break given we were last in action at Everton on January 14.
However, we will still be without some key absentees for the trip to Chelsea, as well as against Newcastle Utd when we host them in the Premier League early next week.
“Jhon Duran is now injured, but I am happy with him,” Emery told the media, as per BirminghamLive. “The last action against Everton he was injured. For the next weeks he is not going to be available.
“Lucas Digne and Pau Torres are still injured. Lucas is close to starting with the group, maybe in one week. Pau is progressing well, he starting training with us and ready to play, but he stopped again and now we are being careful.
“Ramsey too, it is a hamstring at the beginning we were thinking three weeks, but he could be back next week if he progresses well. Maybe Tuesday, but for tomorrow maybe not.”
It’s a blow to lose Duran given he offers important depth behind Ollie Watkins up front, while the setback may scupper any exit plans for the 20-year-old amid speculation over his future at the club this month.
While it’s a boost to hear that Jacob Ramsey could now be closing in on a return after his setback, with Lucas Digne seemingly close to being available again too, there will be concern over Pau Torres as he continues to miss time.
The Spaniard has been a highly influential figure for us so far this season, and although Clement Lenglet has done a solid job of deputising for him, Emery will no doubt hope to have his compatriot back as soon as possible.
However, having already suffered one setback in his recovery, Villa won’t rush him back too soon again, but it’s hoped that he won’t be absent for much longer as that will be a huge boost for us to have him back in the starting line-up.
Emery will still have plenty of competition and quality at his disposal this Friday, and so hopefully we have both the personnel and game-plan needed to get the better of Chelsea and advance.