Aston Villa heads into Saturday’s clash against Nottingham Forest with an unchanged squad, maintaining continuity in their player lineup. While there are ongoing injury concerns, head coach Unai Emery provided a fitness update ahead of the Premier League encounter at Villa Park.
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Aston Villa
The defensive ranks are affected as Ezri Konsa, despite progressing in his recovery, will miss the upcoming match. Another center-back, Diego Carlos, and striker Jhon Durán are also unavailable. The absence of these key players poses challenges, but Villa remains focused on the available options.
Unfortunately, long-term absentees Tyrone Mings, Emi Buendía, and Boubacar Kamara continue to be sidelined due to their respective injuries. Emery addressed the status of these players in a pre-match media conference on Friday.
“Still injured are the players who have had surgery – Mings, Buendía, and Kamara,” Emery confirmed. He further provided insights into their recovery progress, stating, “Kamara had his [surgery] yesterday, Mings and Buendía are progressing very well.”
While Mings and Buendía are making positive strides in their recovery journeys, the upcoming match against Nottingham Forest comes too soon for their return to the squad. Emery expressed optimism about their rehabilitation, emphasizing that they are nearing the point of reintegration with the team.
“Every day, they are close to starting to be with the squad. Not completely, this season is not for them, but we are happy when they are close and trying to help us,” Emery explained. Despite being unable to participate in matches, their presence in the dressing room and training sessions contributes to the team spirit and camaraderie.
Providing updates on other players, Emery highlighted the continued progress of Ezri Konsa, although he remains unavailable for the upcoming match. Diego Carlos is working on his fitness independently, and Jhon Durán is also on the sidelines.
The positive news is that all other players in the squad are available and ready for the Nottingham Forest clash. Emery’s emphasis on squad depth and the readiness of the available players indicates a determined approach to navigate challenges and secure a positive result in the upcoming fixture.
As Aston Villa aims to maintain their momentum in the Premier League, the resilience of the squad becomes crucial. The absence of key players provides an opportunity for others to step up, showcasing the depth and versatility within the team. The collective effort and commitment of the available players will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of Saturday’s encounter at Villa Park.
