Unai Emery’s injury situation at Aston Villa is going from bad to worse.
Six first-team players are out of action, with many of them long-term absentees from Villa’s plans. Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos are the latest to head to the treatment room.
Kamara, 24, was forced off during Villa’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United. The club confirmed on Monday, 12 February, that the midfielder is set to miss the rest of the season with an ACL injury.
Carlos is the latest player to fall foul of Villa’s rotten injury record. The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell revealed the Brazilian had suffered a hamstring injury in training and is set to spend time on the sidelines.
Considering their injury issues, Villa deserve immense credit for pushing near the top end of the table.
However, the Villans’ latest injury could have gifted one player a lifeline.
Calum Chambers gifted Aston Villa lifeline
To say Calum Chambers has been on the periphery is an understatement. The former Arsenal defender has featured just twice, starting once.
Chambers was close to sealing his exit from Villa Park during the latter stages of the January window.
According to talkSPORT, Emery told the 29-year-old he was free to leave, with local rivals West Brom looking to swoop.
“Some players can leave, for example two players, Bertrand Traore and Calum Chambers, and in case that situation happens we can think to add one or two players in the squad,” said the Villa boss (via talkSPORT).
“The players we have now want to help and support right now.”
However, a move to The Hawthorns failed to materialise, and now Chambers could be thrust back into Villa’s first-team plans.
Carlos’ injury has left Emery extremely short in central defensive options, with Ezri Konsa also out at present.
Chambers is under a £50k-a-week contract at Villa until 2025, which could mean a summer departure is on the cards. However, between now and the end of the season, the defender could have a significant part to play.
Up next for Villa is a trip to Fulham on Saturday as Emery’s men look to maintain pressure on Tottenham, who currently occupy fourth position.
And it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see a central defensive partnership of Clement Lenglet and Chambers at Craven Cottage.
