Aston Villa face Sunderland in the Premier League this weekend, and Unai Emery has provided our latest team news ahead of the encounter.
It’s been a difficult start to the campaign as we remain winless across all competitions after five games, and a difficult road trip to Sunderland will be another tough challenge for Emery and the players.
READ MORE: Villa player ratings vs Brentford: Miserable start to season continues after cup exit
Injuries certainly haven’t helped thus far, but with Boubacar Kamara returning from his setback in midweek, it’s hoped that he’s the first of a few key individuals to return to the fold in our upcoming games.
Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana, Ross Barkley, Andres Garcia and Victor Lindelof all missed out at Brentford too, and so it was hoped heading into this weekend that there would be more positive news on the injury front.
However, as per Emery in his pre-match press conference, he confirmed that while Kamara is now back available, none of Tielemans, Onana, Barkley or Garcia have recovered in time to feature, while Lindelof has a chance to potentially be involved depending on how he progresses over the next 48 hours.
While it’s undoubtedly positive news to have Kamara back as his influence in both phases of the game in the deeper midfield pivot is crucial for us, it remains to be seen if he returns to the starting line-up immediately, or if the duo of John McGinn and Lamare Bogarde continue in that department, with the latter impressing in the last two games.
Kamara coming back could free up McGinn to play in a more advanced role, but time will tell what Emery goes with as he’ll want to see us maintain our defensive solidity, but show more quality and threat in the final third to put an emphatic end to our goalscoring troubles.
With Bologna visiting Villa Park next week in our Europa League opener, the hope will be that the extra few days will be enough to recover some of those who remain sidelined, but it remains to be seen if that encounter comes too soon for them and Fulham at home the following Sunday will be a more realistic target.
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