Aston Villa facing major injury doubt for Arsenal clash | OneFootball

Aston Villa could be without their first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez this weekend with the Argentine suffering with a back injury.

The goalkeeper was forced to withdraw from Villa’s game against Brighton earlier this week and could again miss out against his former club.

Manager Unai Emery said: “We train this afternoon and he didn’t train yesterday. It’s very important for him how these passing hours (go), if he is feeling better. Until the last moment I don’t know if he is going to be available or not for tomorrow.”

Tyrone Mings and Ross Barkley will also miss out against the Gunners.

Villa have been in exceptional form and won seven of their last eight games in all competitions. They are now third in the Premier League and only six points behind Arsenal.

On the Gunners, Emery said: “Arsenal are the best team until now and of course the favourites to win this trophy in the Premier League because they are competing fantastically and playing fantastic. 

“Tomorrow is really a huge test – collectively and individually. For me as a coach as well. I am delighted to have this opportunity to play tomorrow against Arsenal, with the level they have and with the level we have achieved over the last month.”

Villa have a great record against Arsenal and have won two and drawn one of the last four games between the two sides.

“The players must feel comfortable, must feel confidence to play with their form, and with their focus in the gameplan we will plan tomorrow, because the gameplan is very important,” Emery continued.

“To compete against the opponent, firstly, you need to know the opponent. And after to know the opponent, you can try to make a plan, how you can beat them.

“But at the end, football is for the players. On the field are the players, with their skills, their wishes, their emotions, with their competitive way, their focus (for) 90 minutes, and don’t lose, don’t disturb nothing.”