Villa Receive Significant Fitness Boost Ahead of Yorkshire Trip
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has delivered overwhelmingly positive news on the injury front ahead of Sunday's Premier League encounter with Leeds United at Elland Road. The Spanish tactician confirmed that four key players have returned to full fitness and are available for selection against the Yorkshire club.
Defensive Concerns Alleviated as Key Figures Return
The most significant developments concern defender Ezri Konsa and right-back Matty Cash, both of whom encountered problems during the international break. Konsa, who had started for England in their victory over Serbia, withdrew from Gareth Southgate's squad before the Albania match due to calf tightness.
Meanwhile, Matty Cash experienced discomfort during training before Poland's fixture against Malta, prompting manager Jan Urban to leave him on the bench as a precautionary measure. Emery confirmed both defenders have now resumed full training at Bodymoor Heath and are ready for Sunday's contest.
Midfield and Youth Options Strengthened
In further encouraging news, young prospects Lamare Bogarde and Andres Garcia have also been declared fit. Bogarde had returned early from Netherlands Under-21 duty after being deemed insufficiently match-fit, while Garcia - yet to make his senior Villa debut this season - has overcome his fitness issues.
The only lingering concern surrounds Belgian international Amadou Onana, who will face a late fitness test. Onana missed Belgium's final match of the international period against Liechtenstein as a precaution after featuring for 71 minutes against Kazakhstan on an artificial surface.
Tyrone Mings remains Villa's only confirmed absentee, continuing his recovery from the hamstring injury sustained against Liverpool earlier this month.
Emery's Confident Squad Update
Speaking about his squad's condition, Emery stated: "Today the players who were playing for their national teams joined us. Normally we are giving them two days off after their last match playing for their national teams."
The Villa boss added: "The only player who is ruled out of Sunday is Tyrone Mings. The other players will train, and everybody should be available." When specifically questioned about Konsa, Onana, Cash and Bogarde, Emery responded: "They are training. Amadou is the only player who we will see tomorrow if he can play."
Historical Context Favours Villa
Villa approach the fixture in formidable form, seeking their sixth victory in seven Premier League outings following successes against Fulham, Burnley, Tottenham, Manchester City and Bournemouth.
Historical statistics also favour the Midlands club, with Leeds winless in their last five top-flight meetings since a 3-0 triumph at Villa Park in October 2020. The Yorkshire side have failed to score in each of their last three home league games against Villa, though they have never gone four consecutive Elland Road matches without scoring against a single opponent.
With nearly a full squad at his disposal, Emery will be confident his in-form side can extend their impressive run and maintain their strong early-season momentum.
