Unai Emery has issued a promising injury update to fans ahead of Brighton vs Aston Villa with goalkeeper Emi Martinez edging closer to a return.
Injuries have been a major issue for Villa all season. Since the opening day, Emery has had to deal with multiple players in Villa’s first-team falling onto the sidelines.
Tyrone Mings and Emiliano Buendia have been out of action for the whole campaign. Boubacar Kamara was added to this list in February with the Villa trio out until the 2024/25 campaign.
Unfortunately, in recent months, this has continued to be a problem. Stars such as Ollie Watkins and Martinez have been unable to play at Villa Park for multiple game days.
However, before their away tie to Brighton on Sunday, the Villa manager was able to issue a positive injury update.
Emi Martinez – injury latest
Martinez has been vital to Villa’s campaign to date. The goalkeeper has produced multiple marvellous stops which has helped the Villains push towards Champions League qualification.
In Europe, the Argentine produced his best performance in a Villa shirt yet against Lille. Martinez saved two penalties in the Europa Conference League to send Emery’s side into the semi-finals.
However, in Villa’s last Premier League match, the goalkeeper suffered a hamstring injury which has kept him on the sidelines.
Ahead of Brighton, Emery was hopeful that his number one would be back for the match.
He told Birmingham Live: “Tomorrow is the key day. In case he [Martinez] will feel comfortable and without risk, he could be available.”
Expected return: Olympiacos (May 9)
Youri Tielemans – injury latest
Youri Tielemans is another player who has been fantastic in recent weeks. Throughout April, the midfielder was incredible and put in multiple sensational performances.
In the 2-0 win against Arsenal, Tielemans was on fire. The Belgium international played an insane ball through to Watkins for the striker to finish off the tie.
However, Tielemans picked up a knock last Saturday in the draw against Chelsea and he was forced off in the first half with a groin issue.
Before the match against Brighton, Emery was unable to confirm whether Tielemans would be fit yet and said that he would decide on Saturday.
Expected return: Olympiacos (May 9)
Read more: Keep or stay, assessing what to do with every Aston Villa player this summer.
Alex Moreno – injury latest
Another recent absentee, Alex Moreno has been unavailable since the 2-0 victory over Arsenal. The full-back picked up a calf injury and has not been available since.
While Villa still has Lucas Digne fit, it could spring an issue if their Frenchman also picked up a knock.
Luckily, alongside Tielemans, Emery has confirmed that Moreno is close to returning to full fitness.
On Saturday the Villa manager will assess whether the full-back will be able to play a part in the Brighton match.
Expected return: Olympiacos (May 9)
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