Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez falls ill and misses Thursday training – Ben Dinnery
Ben Dinnery has shared that Steven Gerrard faces an anxious wait over the fitness of first-choice goalkeeper Emi Martinez and backup goalkeeper Robin Olsen.
The duo and Ollie Watkins will all face late fitness tests ahead of Aston Villa’s Friday night clash against Southampton at Villa Park.
Villa are dangling above the Premier League relegation zone in 17th place and potential injuries to their two main goalkeepers are worrying, to say the least.
Speaking via his Twitter page, injury expert Dinnery provided an update on the goalkeeping crisis Gerrard is facing.
“Emi Martinez missed training on Thursday after falling ill overnight, but Gerrard remains hopeful that the Argentine will be available,” he wrote.
“There are also concerns over backup goalkeeper Robin Olsen who faces a late fitness test. Ollie Watkins was unwell earlier this week.”
Third choice goalkeeper also out of action
If Martinez and Olsen fail to reach the fitness levels needed to start for Villa against Southampton, Gerrard won’t even be able to turn to his third-choice goalkeeper to step in.
Jed Steer remains out of action with a long-term Achilles problem which he suffered on loan at Luton Town back in February.
Friday night could be dismal viewing for the Villans and fans will have their fingers and toes crossed that Martinez or Olsen will be fit for the Saints visit.
A bad result regardless of goalkeeping problems will leave Gerrard’s job in the balance, after a big summer investment from the Villa hierarchy the former Rangers boss hasn’t yet delivered.
Southampton hasn’t had the brightest of starts to their campaign either, but their youthful, exuberant side could potentially feast on a youth goalkeeper’s first Premier League outing.
The man who would come into Villa’s lineup should Martinez and Olsen remain out could be 19-year-old Filip Marschal.