Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has confirmed that first-choice goalkeeper Emi Martinez will be unavailable for this weekend's FA Cup third-round tie against Tottenham Hotspur after aggravating a calf injury.
Martinez's Painful Half at Selhurst Park
The Argentina international had been managing the issue prior to Wednesday night's Premier League encounter with Crystal Palace. Despite the discomfort, Martinez started the match at Selhurst Park, which ultimately finished in a 0-0 draw.
Emery revealed that the goalkeeper's commitment led him to play through the pain barrier in the first half. However, at the interval, a joint decision was made with the club's medical staff to substitute him, rather than risk a more serious setback.
"He played on Wednesday knowing he has a small injury and he did the effort to play," Emery explained. "It was his choice to play the second half, but because he is in the risk to get the worse injury, we decided with the doctor to stop him."
Bizot Steps Up Once Again
Martinez was replaced by deputy Marco Bizot, who proceeded to keep a clean sheet in what was his ninth appearance of the season. The Dutch goalkeeper has proven to be a reliable understudy, having also been called into action at late notice earlier this season against Feyenoord in the Europa Conference League.
Emery was full of praise for Bizot's professionalism and readiness. "Marco is fantastic. Being ready to play when we need him is fantastic," the Villa boss said. "How he is doing, and the respect he has in the dressing room, is really fantastic."
A Tough FA Cup Test Awaits
Villa now face a significant challenge without their number one. Their opponents, Tottenham, have a formidable record in this stage of the competition, having progressed from 18 of their last 19 FA Cup third-round ties. Their only defeat in that sequence was a 2-0 loss to Arsenal in the 2013-14 season.
Aston Villa will be looking to improve their own recent third-round form, having been eliminated at this stage in seven consecutive campaigns before winning their last two. Emery's side will also draw confidence from their 2-1 comeback victory over Spurs in the Premier League earlier this season.
Emery expressed his satisfaction with Martinez's overall attitude this season, noting a strong recovery from a difficult period last summer. "Now I can face him and see his eyes and trust him," Emery concluded, signalling a positive relationship with his star goalkeeper despite the current injury setback.
