ASTON VILLA HANDED HUGE BLOW AHEAD OF SOUTHAMPTON CLASH AS FOUR KEY PLAYERS RULED OUT BY UNAI EMERY.
Aston Villa are looking to make it successive wins in the Premier League for the first time since September when they host Southampton.
Aston Villa beat Brentford 3-1 on Wednesday to end their disappointing eight-match streak without a win, and they’ll be hoping to build further momentum this weekend.
Southampton are the visitors to Villa Park, and the Saints are rock bottom of the Premier League, winning just one of their 14 matches.
Unai Emery’s men will be full of confidence as some players looked back to their best in midweek, including the mercurial talent Morgan Rogers.
Rogers received comparisons to Dennis Bergkamp with his opening goal, while Boubacar Kamara was likened to Man City’s Rodri.
From Rogers brilliance in attack to Tyrone Mings colossal defending, there were so many positives in midweek but now, Emery has revealed one negative heading into Saturday.
Unai Emery could be without multiple Aston Villa players for Southampton clash
Addressing the media on Friday afternoon, Emery informed supporters of an injury update.
The Spaniard commented on the fitness of winger Jacob Ramsey and midfielder Amadou Onana who have both missed the last few matches through injury.
On Ramsey, he said, as per BBC Sport: “Jacob Ramsey is still weeks to come back – he is progressing well,” with the 23-year-old having not featured since the defeat to Liverpool.
As for Onana, Emery added: “Onana is close to coming back – maybe today he can do something with us. I don’t know whether he will be with us. Maybe Tuesday is easier.”
The updates on that duo were as expected however, he did say some of his other stars are doubts without naming them.
“Some are doubts. Some had pain yesterday and some are tired. We are going to train now this afternoon,” the Spaniard said.
Emery did reveal that Mings was tired after the win over Brentford, so he could be one of the players mentioned, although he should be ready to start.
Throughout this campaign, Villa have been tested by injury troubles and it could be out to get worse as they embark on a hectic fixture run.
Emery has already said it’s ‘impossible’ to keep the same starting lineup, and there will be plenty of rotation in the coming weeks as they play five matches in the space of 20 days.
The run includes a home clash against RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Tuesday, December 10, before hosting Man City and travelling to Newcastle United over Christmas.
With ambitions of qualifying for Europe’s elite competition, how many points Villa accumulate between now and the New Year could determine whether they are in the top-four picture or fall by the wayside.
