Emery confirms Aston Villa injury blow ahead of FA Cup tie with Tottenham | OneFootball

Emiliano Martinez has been ruled out of Aston Villa’s FA Cup third round match with Tottenham.

The goalkeeper was forced off at half-time of Villa’s goalless draw with Crystal Palace with a calf injury.

And boss Unai Emery has confirmed he is not available for Saturday’s clash.

“He is really showing the commitment we need of him,” Emery said on the Argentine shot stopper. “He played on Wednesday knowing he has a small injury and he did the effort to play.

“For him it is easier to decide not to play, but he played. The first half he was not feeling good.

“It was his choice to play the second half, but because he is in the risk to get the worse injury, we decided with the doctor to stop him.

“He is helping the team, and now I am happy with him. I am seeing him like I want. After last summer, it was difficult for everybody and him as well. Now I can face him and see his eyes and trust him.”

January signing Alysson could be be in line for his Villa debut against Spurs, however, though will face a late fitness test.

“Today, we are training now and we expect to be ready for tomorrow, but we need to check him in the training session,” Emery explained.

“Of course, he did a few training (sessions) with us and he had a small stop for one small injury.

“But he trained yesterday, he has to adapt in everything, but we want to try and include him as soon as possible in our meetings, in our moments gathering for dinner, lunch, breakfast.

“Try to get close with his team-mates and hopefully he can travel to London and be in the match tomorrow against Tottenham.”

Tyrone Mings will be assessed prior to the cup clash, while midfielders Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley continue to miss out due to injury.