Unai Emery has updated fans on the injury front ahead of their Europa Conference League clash with Olympiacos with the fitness of multiple first-teamers up in the air.
Villa face their biggest game of the season on Thursday night. Emery’s side travel to Greece aiming to overcome their 4-2 loss at Villa Park to progress to the Europa Conference League final.
Statistics show that it may take a miracle for Villa to overturn the deficit with Olympiacos being formidable opponents at their home ground.
In preparation for the match, things have not looked favourable. Injuries have continued to stack up at great cost for Emery.
Now, ahead of the tie, the Villa manager has provided an update on who may be back for the European semi-final.
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.
Ahead of the semi-final second leg, Emery said he wasn’t sure if Martinez would be fit for the match. However, the Spaniard had confirmed that the goalkeeper had travelled to Greece and will assess tomorrow who will play in goal.
Expected return: Olympiacos (May 9)
Nicolo Zaniolo – injury latest
On loan at Villa, Zaniolo has played a big part for Emery’s side this season. While Zaniolo’s long-term future at Villa is undecided, in the short term, he is struggling for fitness.
The midfielder has been out of action since being forced off in the away leg to Lille. It was reported that Zaniolo was on his way back to fitness and travelled to Brighton. However, he was not selected on the day.
Journalist Matt Maher before the game believed that the ‘consensus’ was that he wouldn’t be fit for Olympiacos.
Expected return: Liverpool (May 13)
Youri Tielemans – injury latest
Tielemans has been on fire for Villa as they enter the final stages of the season. The midfielder was fundamental in their 2-0 victory against Arsenal which put them a step closer to securing Champions League football.
However, in the 2-2 draw against Chelsea, the Belgian international was forced off the field with a groin issue.
Since then, he has been unable to return to fitness and doesn’t seem likely for Olympiacos.
Expected return: Liverpool (13)
Morgan Rogers – injury latest
Villa had another big injury on the weekend. Rogers was on fantastic form for Villa in April. Against Bournemouth, the youngster put on a show and got a goal in a 3-1 win.
However, in the 1-0 loss to Brighton on the weekend, Rogers was forced off in the 25th minute with an injury.
Emery did not give an update on Roger’s fitness ahead of Olympiacos and Maher believes that the consensus is that he won’t make the game.
Expected return: Liverpool (13)
Jacob Ramsey – injury latest
Jacob Ramsey has had little luck so far this season. After enduring a stop-start season due to injuries the midfielder was once again ruled out after a toe issue against Luton.
In the build-up to Brentford, Emery confirmed fans’ worst fears. The 22-year-old has now been ruled out for the season, a list that seems to be ever-growing for the Villians.
Expected return: 2024/25 season
Boubacar Kamara – injury latest
One of the worst injuries of any Villa player this season. Kamara was a regular for Emery’s side throughout the campaign until they hosted Man United in February.
The midfielder pulled up just after the hour mark and was subsequently subbed off. After the match, it was confirmed that Kamara had torn his ACL and has since had surgery.
Expected return: 2024/25 season
Tyrone Mings – injury latest
Another cruel blow to Villa’s campaign. The opening day of the season couldn’t have gone any worse for Emery’s side. Alongside being demolished 5-1 by Newcastle, England international Mings injured his ACL.
The defender has been out of action ever since. Despite Mings making some good progress in recent months, he is not expected to return this season.
Expected return: 2024/25 season
Emi Buendia – injury latest
The final Villa man still ruled out is Buendia. The club’s former record signing suffered a significant knee ligament injury a day before the season was set to start.
Since then, the Argentine has not been able to return to the field and is not expected to do so until the next campaign.
Expected return: 2024/25 season
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