Aston Villa vs Newcastle United FA Cup Fourth Round: Major Injury Concerns for Both Sides
The FA Cup fourth round features a standout fixture as Aston Villa host Newcastle United at Villa Park, with both teams grappling with a mounting injury crisis ahead of the crucial clash. Unai Emery's Aston Villa, who reached the semi-finals last season and are targeting their first major trophy in 30 years since winning the League Cup, face significant squad disruptions.
Villa secured a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the previous round to advance, bolstered by a stellar run of form that includes a recent 1-0 Premier League win over Brighton, enhancing their Champions League qualification hopes. However, injuries threaten to derail their cup ambitions.
Newcastle United Injury Updates
Newcastle United arrive with their own fitness woes, as manager Eddie Howe sweats over the availability of key players. The Magpies' injury list includes:
- Bruno Guimaraes: The club captain, recently back from injury, was substituted late in the win over Tottenham with a suspected hamstring issue. His status remains uncertain pending further assessment.
- Lewis Miley: The academy graduate has missed the last three matches due to a dead leg but could return this weekend.
- Joelinton: The Brazilian midfielder is expected to miss the trip with a thigh problem.
- Emil Krafth: Ruled out until late February with a knee injury, adding to his fitness struggles this campaign.
- Valentino Livramento: The England international is nursing a thigh injury and likely out until mid-March.
- Fabian Schar: The long-serving centre-back is sidelined until early April with an ankle injury, a significant blow to Newcastle's defence.
Aston Villa Injury News
For Aston Villa, the injury situation is equally dire, with several key players ruled out or doubtful. Unai Emery confirmed concerns in a recent press conference, highlighting:
- Boubacar Kamara: The French midfielder is out for the season with a knee injury, not expected back until June.
- Youri Tielemans: The Belgian playmaker faces around eight weeks out with an ankle problem, targeting an April return.
- John McGinn: The Scottish international is expected back in March after sustaining a knee injury.
- Matty Cash: The talented right-back is a doubt for the Newcastle clash with a small injury, under assessment by the medical team.
- Andres Garcia: The Spanish defender is recovering from a thigh injury and unlikely to return until late February.
With eight players confirmed out and three doubtful, including pivotal figures like Cash and Guimaraes, both teams face selection headaches. This injury crisis could heavily influence the outcome of this FA Cup tie, as Aston Villa aim to continue their cup run and Newcastle seek to overcome adversity on the road.
