Unai Emery has updated fans on the injury front after their 4-1 defeat to Man City with the manager ‘confident’ of a quick return.
Wednesday night was a night to forget for many Aston Villa fans. Despite netting a quick equaliser at the Etihad thanks to Jhon Duran’s strike, Phil Foden quickly put an end to any hopes of a point with an empathic hat-trick.
It was a cruel blow to Villa as injuries finally caught up with the Birmingham outfit. Multiple first-teamers without including star men Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez while John McGinn was still suspended.
However, in the wake of the defeat, Emery managed to offer some positive news after the game concerning injuries.
Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez set to be back for Aston Villa vs Brentford
Arguably Villa’s two best players were out of action from Man City. Watkins pulled up in the 2-0 victory over Wolves on Saturday and was subsequently taken off at half-time during the win.
Martinez was also missing from the line-up on Wednesday night with Emery confirming that his number one was out with illness.
However, after the match, the manager was ‘confident’ that Martinez would be back for their next match.
According to journalist John Townley, the goalkeeper is set to overcome his illness for Saturday’s fixture. However, Watkins will have to be assessed on Thursday before he can be confirmed fit for the tie.
Big boost for Aston Villa ahead in Champions League race
It is no secret that injuries have played a big part in Villa’s recent fixtures. Emery was forced into multiple changes at the Etihad as he prioritised his upcoming games.
The Villians are still competing for the Conference League title on top of the Premier League and the side’s long injury list has finally caught up.
It will therefore be a relief for many fans that Villa could well see three star players back on the weekend.
On top of Watkins and Martinez, McGinn will also be available again now that the midfielder has served his three-game suspension.
With their Conference League quarter-final tie against Lille also just around the corner, these comebacks have come at the perfect time for the squad.
Now, the club need to ensure they bounce back from their defeat to City with another three points at Villa Park this weekend.
