Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez missed the win over Bologna due to a muscle issue | OneFootball

Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez is dealing with muscle pain, which is why he missed the club’s Europa League win over Bologna at Villa Park, according to Jacob Tanswell.

The 6ft3ins Villa shot-stopper was not in goal, with summer signing Marco Bizot taking the reins between the sticks.

The Dutchman did an admirable job as the Villains sealed a much-needed win with a clean sheet to boot.

Thankfully, it is ‘not thought to be serious’, meaning the Martinez could be back in goal for Aston Villa soon.

In Martinez’s absence, Bizot delivered a stellar performance to keep the clean sheet versus Bologna, making seven saves and preventing 1.25 goals.

Bizot had lost the Premier League starting berth to Martinez for the Sunderland game, but reclaimed it due to the Argentine’s setback.

The 34-year-old made up for his atrocious showing against Crystal Palace.

Bizot will be eager to make the Aston Villa XI when Unai Emery’s side hosts Fulham at Villa Park this weekend.

For the Villans, the importance of both goalkeepers cannot be overstated.

Emery’s side is lacking the cutting edge in front of goal, which means every defensive lapse could prove costly.

Martinez has built his reputation on reliability in the Premier League, while Bizot’s sharp reflexes against Bologna showed he can be trusted when called upon.

With Champions League football stretching the squad and a demanding league campaign ahead, the Villains need consistency and calmness in their last line of defence.

The partnership between these two keepers, whether through competition or rotation, must set the standard for the rest of the team.

If Martinez regains full fitness quickly and Bizot maintains his level, Villa’s defensive unit can become the platform for grinding out results.

Until the attack finds rhythm, Emery will rely on his goalkeepers to keep Villa’s ambitions alive on both domestic and European fronts.