Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has delivered a significant injury update ahead of his side's Premier League encounter with Nottingham Forest, confirming seven first-team players will be unavailable for the fixture.
Defensive Duo Nearing Return
The most positive news for Villa supporters concerns central defenders Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings. Emery indicated that both left-sided centre-backs could be back in contention within the next one to two weeks.
Tyrone Mings has been absent since suffering a hamstring injury during Villa's visit to Liverpool at the start of November. Pau Torres, meanwhile, has missed the last five matches across all competitions after being substituted in the second half against Arsenal.
Onana Set for Extended Sideline Spell
In a major blow, midfielder Amadou Onana is expected to face a longer period out of action. The Belgian international was forced off at half-time during Villa's midweek defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
"Onana got injured on Tuesday," Emery stated. "Pau maybe is [back] in one or two weeks, and Mings as well. Onana, more." This suggests the summer signing's absence will be more prolonged than his defensive teammates.
Full List of Absentees Confirmed
Emery provided a comprehensive list of players ruled out for the Forest match. Alongside Onana, Torres, and Mings, the unavailable group includes:
- Ross Barkley – continuing recovery from a knee problem.
- Harvey Elliott
- Evann Guessand – representing Ivory Coast at AFCON.
- Alysson
Boubacar Kamara and Matty Cash are, however, available again after serving suspensions that kept them out of the Arsenal match.
The mounting injury list presents a serious challenge for Emery as he looks to steer Villa through a congested festive period and maintain their push in the Premier League table. All eyes will be on the treatment room in the coming fortnight for updates on the key defensive figures nearing a return.
