It’s been a difficult couple of weeks for Aston Villa on the injury front.
In recent times, Diego Carlos, Ezri Konsa and Boubacar Kamara have all headed to the treatment room.
Talking to The Athletic, Unai Emery has admitted he has never known an injury crisis like that at Villa Park.
“I can never remember a time like this,” he said.
“It’s not an excuse. When injuries happen, I always accept it, but of course, this is the worst. We are human and we are going to support the players, particularly with ACL injuries.
“I’ve never had this situation before as a coach. I know Real Madrid have had the same situation (with David Alaba, Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois) with ACL injuries.”
He added: “But we have to accept it and keep going. We are positive, we work, and try to support the players who will have chances.
“Maybe with some types of injuries, like hamstrings, there is work you can do in terms of injury prevention, but knee injuries are different. But these are not a consequence of our work. Tyrone was injured at Newcastle, Emiliano here at the training ground, and Kamara at Villa Park.”
Despite Aston Villa’s poor injury record, performances on the pitch have remained strong.
John McGinn eases Boubacar Kamara woe at Aston Villa
John McGinn was deployed slightly deeper during the win over Fulham to ease the blow of losing Kamara.
The Frenchman is likely to be out until October, but Villa’s concern could have lessened after the Scot’s performance in a deeper role.
McGinn’s presence in the centre of the park allowed Youri Tielemans to operate further up the pitch, and the Belgian managed to register an assist in the capital.
The personnel change could have opened up another attacking threat for Emery.
McGinn has enjoyed another stellar campaign. Six goals and two assists have been vital in Villa’s top-four bid.
“Once again, John McGinn was outstanding,” said Joleon Lescott after Villa’s home victory over Arsenal.
“Not just his goal, but the way the Villa skipper bossed that midfield, I’m not sure it’s been talked about enough.”
If the 28-year-old maintains his high level of performance in a deeper role alongside Douglas Luiz, Villa have every chance of holding off Tottenham in the hotly-contested battle for fourth spot.
