Aston Villa have come back from the international break in an injury crisis as Unai Emery updates fans ahead of Crystal Palace.
The international break did not go in Villa’s favour. After a run of four successive losses, the break was seen as a time to reflect ahead of a busy upcoming festive period.
However, instead what occurred was a series of injuries to its international stars through the two-week period.
Many of the club’s biggest players were sent home from their camps putting Emery’s side into an injury crisis.
Now, ahead of their first game back, Emery has confirmed that multiple players are out but one duo will return to the squad on Saturday.
Amadou Onana
Amadou Onana has been one of Villa’s best players this season. After signing from Everton in the summer, he has quickly cemented himself as a star player at Villa Park.
Therefore, it was a massive blow for Emery when it was reported that Onana had picked up an injury with Belgium during the international break.
As a result, the midfielder was swiftly sent home from the camp as he attempted to recover in time for Palace.
However, Emery has now confirmed that Onana will not travel for the match but could be back for the following game.
Ezri Konsa
Another player who picked up a knock on international duty for Ezri Konsa. The centre-back started for England in their 3-0 away victory against Greece.
However, Konsa appeared to be limping before he was subbed off. Following this, Konsa was sent home before the Ireland match to continue his recovery at Villa.
Ahead of the match, Emery confirmed that Konsa ‘would not be available for Palace’ but could be back for their Champions League against Juventus.
Matty Cash
On a more positive note, Matty Cash is set to return to the squad for the first time since the Tottenham game.
Cash was forced off against Spurs after picking up a knock which ruled him out for the preceding games before the international break.
Now, Emery has since confirmed that the full-back has recovered and is ready for selection against Palace.
Ross Barkley
Alongside Cash, Ross Barkley has also recovered for the Palace clash. The midfielder had been out for a similar amount of time which has helped contribute to Villa’s downturn in form.
In his last game against Bournemouth, Barkley was praised for netting Villa’s sole goal before he eventually fell to the sidelines.
Now, he is ready for selection in what could be a crucial match at Villa Park.
Jacob Ramsey and Boubacar Kamara remain out of action for Crystal Palace
Remaining out on the sidelines are Jacob Ramsey and Boubacar Kamara. The duo both picked up a knock in the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool before the break and have failed to recover for the match.
Both are believed to be suffering from hamstring issues and Ramsey could be out of action for another few weeks.
