Unai Emery faces a number of fitness difficulties with key players as he

Aston Villa face a late test for a crucial player against Liverpool, as well as three other injuries.
2 September 2023
Beattie, Adam
Unai Emery faces a number of fitness difficulties with key players as he prepares to bring his Aston Villa team to Anfield.

Emi Martinez, the World Cup-winning goalkeeper, will have to face a late fitness test to decide his availability for Sunday’s game.

The Argentine is currently out with a calf injury and has missed the previous two games for his team, but Villa is hoping that he will be ready to return this weekend.

Martinez practiced with his teammates on Friday in preparation for the game, but no final decision on his availability has been made.

“He trained this morning,” Emery stated of his goalie ahead of the encounter. Tomorrow is the last training, which will determine whether he is available or not. Yes, hopefully.”

Emery also informed that Alex Moreno, Jacob Ramsey, and Bertrand Traore are not in consideration for participation because they are recovering from injuries of their own.

Villa were in European action on Thursday night, cruising past Hibs 8-0 on aggregate to go to the Europa Conference League group round.

It gives the visitors only a three-day break before heading to Anfield, a schedule that Liverpool will have to adjust to when the Europa League begins later this month.

The quick turnaround does not appear to have affected the remainder of the squad, however, with Emery adding: “The players who played yesterday, I think, will be ready.”

The rapid turnaround appears to have had little effect on the rest of the squad, with Emery adding, “The players who played yesterday, I think, will be ready.”

Liverpool also has injury concerns, with Ibrahima Konate and Thiago both out, and captain Virgil van Dijk suspended following his expulsion at Newcastle.

Four Reds bid heartbreaking farewells to Anfield in the final home game of 2022/23, where a late Roberto Firmino equalizer became the Brazilian’s parting present to The Kop.

Jurgen Klopp will be looking to emulate the 3-1 Boxing Day win at Villa Park, in which Stefan Bajcetic scored his first and only goal for the club.