Aston Villa fans have been keeping everything crossed as they have been waiting for an update on the fitness of their goalkeeper.
Emi Martinez sustained a hamstring injury in the 2-2 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League, with the Argentine substituted at half-time in that game.
Second choice stopper Robin Olsen has deputised since and, whilst not at the same level as the World Cup winner he has replaced, the Swedish international did put in a fine display in the defeat to Brighton on Sunday.
Now, with Villa having to overturn a the 4-2 loss they endured in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final at Villa Park, Unai Emery has provided an update on Martinez’ fitness in his press conference.
Unai Emery unsure if Emi Martinez will play against Olympiacos
Martinez has travelled with the squad for their crucial second leg, with Villa having the opportunity to get to a first European final since 1982.
However, just because he is present it does not necessarily mean he is set to feature.
Emery was of course asked about Martinez in his press-conference but was non-committal, as he responded: “I don’t know if he will be available tomorrow.”
Whilst Olsen was Villa’s stand out performer at the weekend and could do little about any of the four Olympiacos goals last Thursday, Martinez’ presence in goal will be greatly missed if he is not deemed fit to play.
Emery is under no obligation to confirm either way whether his first-choice ‘keeper will start in the second-leg and this could just be the Villa boss deciding to keep his cards close to his chess as he looks to disrupt his opponent’s preparation.
Martinez could be crucial if Olympiacos tie goes to penalties
Martinez is known for his confident demeanour as well as his prowess at saving penalties.
Should Villa manage to claw back the two goal deficit they allowed Olympiacos to leave England with, there is a very real chance that the game ends in a shootout.
This is exactly what happened in the quarter-finals against Lille, with the Villans trumping their French opponents from 12 yards.
Martinez embraces the mind games associated with a penalty shootout, but would have seen himself suspended for the first leg of this clash regardless of his injury due to his antics against Lille.
With a spot in the final up for grabs should this scenario materialise, the 31-year-old may have to refrain slightly, but his mere presence could be enough.
That being said, Olsen proved himself to be very adept at facing penalties himself on Sunday as he saved Joao Pedro’s spot-kick against Brighton.
Unfortunately for the Swede and his side, though, Pedro headed home the rebound as Villa left The Amex with nothing.
It remains to be seen whether Martinez will line-up in the biggest game of Villa’s season so far, but if he does it could give his side the boost they need to return to Greece for the final in Athens on 29th May.
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