Unai Emery will conduct a late fitness check on Amadou Onana before Aston Villa's Europa League semi-final first leg against Nottingham Forest. The 24-year-old midfielder missed Villa's 1-0 defeat to Fulham due to a minor knee injury, with Emery revealing that Onana felt "a small pain" prior to the trip to London.
Onana's Absence Felt at Craven Cottage
Onana was left behind for the Fulham match, and his absence was keenly felt at Craven Cottage as Villa failed to capitalize on a significant opportunity to strengthen their push for a return to the Champions League. Prior to the weekend, Onana had started nine consecutive Premier League matches and nine of the club's last 10 Europa League fixtures.
Emery's Pre-Match Press Conference
In his pre-match press conference, Emery was asked about Onana's fitness. "We train this afternoon. We will see how he is responding - if he is feeling good to play tomorrow," he explained. "Some players have small pain, like Onana. He was being tested yesterday and today we must test him again. We play tomorrow 100 per cent every player. In case not, we must respond with the players who are ready."
Team News and Squad Updates
Villa will be without Ross Barkley and Alysson on Thursday night, as neither player was included in the club's European squad for the knockout stages. Boubacar Kamara remains a long-term absentee after suffering a knee injury in January.
Historic European Encounter
This will be the first European meeting between the two sides and Villa's first continental fixture against opposition from their own country. Aston Villa have won 15 of their last 17 European matches, including each of their last nine - the longest winning streak in the club's UEFA history and an English record in the Europa League proper.
