Aston Villa Injury Update: Unai Emery reveals his team’s status ahead of Olympiacos clash in the Conference League
Being the only English side in the semifinal of the European competitions, Aston Villa have to deal with multiple injury blows when hosting Olympiacos. Villans manager, Unai Emery stated that some players would be sidelined in the first leg against the Greek representative.
Emiliano Martínez, Youri Tielemans, and Alex Moreno are unavailable for the game at Villa Park. However Nico Zaniolo would return to the squad after being out following his fitness concern.
Aston Villa Injury Update: Unai Emery admits that Emi Martinez’s absence is a huge loss
Emery said that the absence of Martinez is a bit concerning. With the absence of the Argentinian, Villa could rely on Robin Olsen who according to Emery worked hard to earn his place in the team.
“Dibu Martínez is very important and he’s being very competitive and helping us a lot,” the former Arsenal manager said. “With an issue like with the yellow cards and the small injury he has, we have to protect, help, support and push other players in the squad.
“Robin Olsen is being very competitive every day in every training session. When he’s played, he’s helped the team and the team believes in him and trusts in his performances.”
Martinez was subbed off in the halftime when Aston Villa faced Chelsea in the league, due to a hamstring injury. When Olsen stepped in to fill the boots, Emery praised the Swedish’s performance for the rest of the game.
“For example, on Saturday he played 45 minutes against Chelsea and he saved us,” Emery added. “As a man, he’s humble and is a very appreciated man in the dressing room. Hopefully he can help us and feel comfortable.”
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