Aston Villa boss Emery provides update on Martinez and Kamara ahead of Everton clash | OneFootball

Emiliano Martinez remains a doubt for Aston Villa for this weekend’s game against Everton, while boss Unai Emery admits he is concerned about Boubacar Kamara’s knee injury.

Martinez is struggling with a calf injury, while Emery says Kamara is still being assessed to determine the severity of his injury.

“Emiliano Martínez is progressing well but tomorrow we’ll assess him if he’ll be available for Sunday or not,” Emery said.

“Kamara, of course, is out, he’s not available, and maybe for a long time, hopefully not so, so long time but we’re checking him.

“Onana is not available for Sunday, he’s ruled out.

“Barkley as well is ruled out.

“Both are progressing very well. In a few weeks, maybe Onana even next week, they can be training with us. Ross Barkley will need maybe some time more.

“Alysson is still being a little bit in pain and is not ready for Sunday.”

With Villa only six points off the Premier League leaders Arsenal and tied in second with Manchester City, there is still hope for a special season.

“We’re focusing on this match after ten days not playing a match in the Premier League,” Emery said. “We must remind ourselves of the importance of this competition – it’s the priority for us.

“How we are now, third, and how we are competing to be in the top positions, and how we must be demanding to keep it for the next months.”

Emery downplayed Villa’s imperious form at Villa park: “We are speaking about three points and how we must be focused individually and collectively on the match we are playing,” he said.

“We are not feeling something extra, we are feeling we need three points.”

Everton sit firmly in the mid table and despite shaky form present a tough challenge under David Moyes.

“They are performing away very well and they are competing fantastic,” Emery said.

“They have some circumstances, like two players involved in the Africa Cup of Nations, (Iliman) Ndiaye and (Idrissa) Gueye.

“The next step forward is Everton and we must focus, respect them, analyse them, and deeply prepare the match to beat them.”