Aston Villa host Ajax on Thursday evening, hoping to book their place in the last eight of the UEFA Conference League.
Unai Emery’s side secured a 0-0 draw in Amsterdam last week in an eventful draw against John van’t Schip’s men.
Ahead of the fixture, Villa’s main injury concern centres around Jacob Ramsey. The 22-year-old was forced off during the 3-2 win over Luton Town and hasn’t featured since.
However, the Villa boss has hinted that the midfielder could be fit for Thursday’s clash.
“We are waiting to see if he’s getting better to start training,” Emery told the Express and Star.
“This week it could be, but it’s not completely sure he’ll be ready.”
Elsewhere, a change in defence will occur with Ezri Konsa suspended after picking up two yellow cards last week.
Ajax sweat on forward’s fitness
Ajax also have their injury concerns.
Former Tottenham winger Steven Bergwijn is out of the clash against Villa after missing the first leg with a hamstring injury (Birmingham World).
Tristan Gooijer will also miss the trip to the West Midlands after being sent off in the first leg. Another player who could miss the fixture is forward Steven Berghuis.
The 32-year-old, who was once hailed as “excellent” by Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag, missed Ajax’s weekend match against Fortuna Sittard. There was an expectation that he would feature, and now fresh doubt has emerged over his presence at Villa Park.
One positive for the visitors is centre-back Josip Sutalo. The 24-year-old missed the first leg but could return tomorrow night.
Aston Villa response needed
Aston Villa need to respond emphatically on Thursday evening. The 4-0 humbling by Tottenham Hotspur is still fresh in the memory of those at Villa Park.
A positive result against Ajax will ease any growing concerns that may have lingered.
Emery should look to rotate once again. The fixtures are coming thick and fast at the moment, and there’s a genuine risk of fatigue taking its toll heading into the latter stages of the season.
If the Villans want to maintain their Champions League push and triumph in the Conference League, utilising the entire squad is a must.
