Unai Emery has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Aston Villa’s clash against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
Unai Emery revealed on Wednesday that Ezri Konsa would be out for three to four weeks after suffering a knee injury in the 5-0 demolition of Sheffield United.
The Englishman, who has been ever-present for Aston Villa this season, was hugely missed against Chelsea as Villa were beaten 3-1 and knocked out of the FA Cup.
While this put an end to their hopes of winning the competition for the eighth time, Emery was boosted by the return of Pau Torres, who took his place on the bench.
Torres has been instrumental towards their Champions League charge, so while he’s been sidelined, Villa have only won two of their eight matches.
Emery said in his pre-match conference he’s now in contention to start against United, which could see him replace Clement Lenglet on the left side of defence.
As for other injury news, the Spaniard does still have four players out – including Konsa – but one who has returned to full fitness is left-back Lucas Digne.
Lucas Digne returns for Man United clash
Digne was forced off early in the second half of their 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford on Boxing Day, but the Frenchman will be available for Sunday’s match and could make the matchday squad.
The former Everton left-back played a starring role in Emery’s starting XI while Alex Moreno was nursing an injury, making an incredible U-turn on his Villa career.
In the summer, it looked as if the 30-year-old was going to be sanctioned amid interest from Saudi Arabia, but he remained at Villa Park and has proved his worth as an attacking force.
Digne has produced two assists in the 18 Premier League matches and ranks in the top 13% in England’s top flight for touches (att pen) and the top 1% for progressive passes received, as per FBref.
Emery is now served with a dilemma moving forward as he has Moreno and Digne both available for selection.
Should Digne start vs Man United?
As Torres did against Chelsea on Wednesday, the Frenchman will most likely take his place on the bench, but that doesn’t mean he will be moving forward.
Emery has two strong options to pick from in that position, which is a good headache to have.
The preference will be to ease Digne back into the action before throwing him back in, especially since Moreno has put in some impressive performances.
Ultimately, though, both players could depart Villa Park in the summer as interest in their signature continues to swirl around.
