The latest Aston Villa injury news ahead of their clash against Chelsea in the FA Cup tonight, as Unai Emery delivers updates on Ezri Konsa and Lucas Digne.
Aston Villa host Chelsea in the FA Cup at 20:00 tonight as they aim to progress to the fifth round of the competition for the first time since reaching the final against Arsenal in 2015. This a replay of the fixture that took place at Stamford Bridge just 12 days ago with both sides playing out a 0-0 draw.
Unai Emery didn’t have Pau Torres to choose from for that match, but he has been boosted by the Spaniard’s return with Nicolo Zaniolo also returning to fitness.
Unfortunately, Villa discovered yesterday that the knee injury Ezri Konsa picked up in the 5-0 thrashing of Sheffield United has left him sidelined for two to three weeks. The instrumental defender is one of five injury doubts for their clash against the Blues.
Meanwhile, Jacob Ramsey played 27 minutes against Newcastle United and 45 minutes in the victory over the Blades since returning from injury so he could play a part against Chelsea.
Here is the latest injury situation at Villa Park as the Villans aim to end a record of four home FA Cup defeats on the bounce…
Lucas Digne injury latest
Aston Villa lost Lucas Digne to a hamstring injury in the 3-2 defeat against Manchester United on Boxing Day and he has been sidelined ever since.
Although the 30-year-old remains on the injury table with Alex Moreno keeping his spot at left-back, Emery did offer a positive update on the Frenchman.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he said: “Lucas Digne is progressing well but is out.”
Expected return: Manchester United (Feb 11)
Jhon Duran injury latest
Jhon Duran was linked with a move to Chelsea throughout the January transfer window but an injury he picked up in the 0-0 draw against Everton effectively ended their pursuit of the 20-year-old.
Emery has since added Morgan Rogers as a £16 million acquisition from Middlesbrough to offer more support to Ollie Watkins as Duran continues to battle back from injury.
It has been revealed that the towering Colombian will be out for another three to four weeks.
Expected return: Luton Town (March 2)
Tyrone Mings injury latest
Tyrone Mings hasn’t played for Villa since picking up a horrible knee injury in the 5-1 defeat against Newcastle United on the opening day of the season. It’s unlikely he’ll play again for the club this term.
Since he picked up this long-term injury, however, he has offered insight into his recovery following surgery and videos have been shared of him doing exercises.
It’s been a very difficult period for the defender, who hopes to be back playing for Villa again next season having previously established himself as a key player under Emery.
Expected return: Unclear
Emiliano Buendia injury latest
A day before the season started, Villa were struck with the news that playmaker Emiliano Buendia had suffered a “significant knee injury” in training which left him requiring surgery.
While he has since made huge strides in his recovery, there are no expectations for the Argentine to return before the season ends but he has revealed he’s felt close to his teammates despite not being able to play.
“Being close to my teammates was the reason I decided to have surgery in England and recover at the club,” Buendia said. “I go to all the team’s home games and I try to be in the locker room before and after the games.
“I tried not to lose that routine. From the first moment the boys have been very on top of me and I have not felt displaced.
“When the extent of the injury became known, Emery called me. He told me to be calm, that it was time for me to recover in the best possible way and to enjoy the family. That if I needed anything. Almost every day he asks about my progress, how I feel and how I am psychologically.”
Expected return: Unclear
