Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has delivered a significant team news update ahead of Sunday's Premier League encounter with Everton, confirming a late fitness check for star goalkeeper Emi Martinez and the absence of four other players.
Martinez's Late Fitness Test
Emi Martinez will undergo a last-minute assessment to determine his availability for the match at Villa Park. The Argentine international missed Villa's FA Cup third-round victory at Tottenham Hotspur last weekend after being substituted at half-time during the previous league game at Crystal Palace.
Martinez started the 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park but was unable to continue after the interval due to a calf issue. He had experienced discomfort before the match but attempted to play on, with Villa's medical staff ultimately advising his replacement by Marco Bizot.
"Emi Martinez is progressing well, but tomorrow we will assess him, if he will be available for Sunday or not," Emery explained in his pre-match briefing.
Confirmed Absences for Villa
Villa will definitely be without three key midfielders through injury. Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Onana, and Ross Barkley are all ruled out of the Everton fixture. New signing Alysson is also unavailable to make his debut.
Providing details on the recovery timelines, Emery stated: "Onana is ruled out, Barkley as well. Both are progressing well. Onana maybe next week, he can be training with us. Barkley will need some days more. Alysson is still being in a little bit of pain and is not ready for Sunday."
Returning Players and Home Record Pursuit
There is more positive news in defence, with both Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings returning to the squad last week. Torres started in the win at Tottenham, while Mings, who hasn't played since a November defeat at Liverpool, could now feature against Everton.
Forward Evann Guessand has returned from international duty at AFCON and has been training at Bodymoor Heath ahead of the match.
Emery's side are aiming for a remarkable 12th consecutive home win across all competitions. They face an Everton side that has failed to beat Villa since the Toffees returned to the Premier League in 2019, setting the stage for a compelling clash at Villa Park this weekend.
