Aston Villa know they must now brush off the disappointment of Thursday night and prepare to face Liverpool on Monday night.
The 6-2 aggregate loss to Olympiacos in the Europa Conference League semi-final was a painful one, especially given Villa were favourites going into the tie.
However, whilst Unai Emery will not be able to steer the club to a first European final in 42 years this season, he still has the chance to make history with Villa needing just one win from their final two games to secure a Champions League spot for next season.
The Villans have looked fatigued in recent weeks, with the strain of playing European football deep into the season taking its toll on the squad.
The good news is that Emery could see his options improved by one or two returns ahead of another huge game against Liverpool.
Emi Martinez – Injury latest
Villa were boosted by the return of World Cup winning goalkeeper, Emi Martinez, for Thursday’s second-leg against Olympiacos, although the Argentine was powerless to stop either of Aroub El Kaabi’s goals.
The 31-year-old got through the game unscathed and should continue in goal for the visit of Liverpool.
Emiliano Buendia – Injury latest
Emiliano Buendia suffered a cruel ACL injury in training just days before the start of the 2023/24 season and has been out ever since.
Villa’s record signing had looked sharp in pre-season and would likely have played a key part in what has been a brilliant season.
There is a positive update on Buendia, though, with the former Norwich City man making an emotional return to training this week and he will be working hard to be ready to start pre-season.
Expected return: 2024/25
Tyrone Mings – Injury latest
Like Buendia, Tyrone Mings also suffered an ACL injury.
The Villa captain fell victim to the long-term injury on the opening day of the season against Newcastle United.
It was a cruel blow for a player who would have been dreaming of representing England at this summer’s European Championships as well as making history with his club.
Emery has had to make do without one of the leaders in his dressing room but will no doubt look forward to having Mings available again next season.
Expected return: 2024/25
Boubacar Kamara – Injury latest
Boubacar Kamara is the third Villa player who has been ruled out for the season due to an ACL injury in what has been a period of rotten luck for the club on the injury front.
The Frenchman was key to the side until sustaining the injury against Manchester United in February and Villa are looking increasingly light in central midfield.
Expected return: 2024/25
Jacob Ramsey – Injury latest
Jacob Ramsey picked up a toe issue against Luton Town to further frustrate a player who has had his fair share of bad luck with injuries this campaign.
With just two games of the season remaining, Villa are not minded to rush the youngster back and he will therefore return next season.
Expected return: 2024/25
Youri Tielemans – Injury latest
Vill’s midfield ranks could be boosted with the return of Youri Tielemans against Liverpool.
After the Europa Conference League exit to Olympiacos on Friday night, Tielemans was one of the players Emery referenced as having “small” injuries and added that the Belgian is “close”.
Therefore, expect to see Tielemans in the squad on Monday night, with a return very timely for a tired side.
Expected return: Liverpool (13th)
Alex Moreno – Injury latest
Left-back Alex Moreno is another that Emery has said could make the Liverpool game, as he confirmed: “Alex Moreno will need a few days and maybe could be available (for Liverpool).”
Lucas Digne had made the left-back spot his own but has been poor in the last two games and the competition and ability to rotate with Moreno could give both players the push they need to help Villa get over the line and secure Champions League football.
Expected return: Liverpool (13th)
Morgan Rogers – Injury latest
Morgan Rogers has been a revelation since signing in January, with the 21-year-old having a far greater impact than was anticipated upon his arrival from Middlesbrough.
The winger picked up a hamstring injury in the defeat to Brighton in the last league game and missed the game against Olympiacos, but there has been nothing in the way of an update from the club.
That being said, it would be a surprise to see him return against Liverpool, but he could make the final day affair against Crystal Palace.
Expected return: Crystal Palace (19th)
Nicolo Zaniolo – Injury latest
Nicolo Zaniolo had turned the corner after a tough start to life at Villa Park, with his performance in the recent 2-0 win over Arsenal his finest in a Villa shirt.
Unfortunately, the Italy international has been managing pain and that has kept him out of the last two games. Emery was non-committal on the fitness of the 24-year-old on Thursday, saying: “Some are having small pain and there is no date when they can come back, like Zaniolo.”
The on-loan midfielder brings something different to Villa’s other options and if he can return before the end of the season it would undoubtedly help his side’s chances of a Champions League spot.
Expected return: Unknown
Liverpool injury news for Aston Villa
Liverpool have injury problems of their own ahead of Monday night’s game and, with Manchester City’s win over Fulham, have also seen their title dream die.
Key duo Andy Robertson and Diogo Jota are both doubts for the Villa Park clash, with the former missing training in the build-up to the game and Jota sidelined with a muscle problem.
Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara have both rarely featured this season and this is set to continue with the pair again missing this one.
Both sides will be depleted for the penultimate game of the season, but it is clear Villa’s injury concerns are more pertinent than Liverpool’s.
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