Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has provided an injury update on Robin Olsen, and has hinted that we could look to bring in another goalkeeper either this month or in the summer.
The 33-year-old has failed to make the squad for our last six Premier League games, while he’s played a limited role in providing cover behind Emiliano Martinez so far this season, with just five appearances across all competitions.
READ MORE: Return of influential Villa duo will be fundamental boost for Emery
His absence has led to youngsters Filip Marschall and Sam Proctor being named on the bench in recent weeks, and although they seemingly have the backing of Emery to do a job if required, it’s not ideal to have depth with such little experience on the bench in a crucial position if Martinez was to pick up a problem.
Fortunately, it doesn’t sound as though Olsen will be sidelined for too much longer, as although the Swedish international has struggled to entirely convince since he joined the club, he has shown signs of improvement this year and it’s vital we do have him available in order to rest Martinez if needed too.
“He is still injured but I don’t think it is for a long time. We think in a few days or a week Olsen will be available again,” Emery said, as per BirminghamLive. “We are not thinking, at the beginning, to sign another goalkeeper. Of course, we are following some goalkeepers but thinking a young keeper with the possibility to come here and improve. If not, we will wait until the next window.”
It’s unclear if Olsen will be available for selection against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup this weekend as that would perhaps be an obvious game for Martinez to have a rest, or if we’re more likely to see him return to the squad when we face Everton in the Premier League on January 14.
With only one other fixture this month against Newcastle Utd on January 30, it’s an opportunity for Villa to recharge, regroup and get players back healthy, and so we’ll see if Olsen is among those to return.
As for a new arrival, it’s a tricky situation for Villa given the lack of playing time that a new signing would have to deal with behind Martinez in particular, but if we can identify a top prospect that can rival Olsen and ultimately jump ahead of him in the pecking order, time will tell if the club makes a move.
