Emi Martinez news emerges from Argentina, it’s ‘massive’ for Aston Villa
Ty Bracey believes Aston Villa will have a chance to turn around a 4-2 aggregate score against Olympiacos if Emi Martinez returns from injury.
Argentinean journalist Gaston Edul has reported via X that the Argentine goalkeeper could be ready to return to action on Thursday night (9 May).
Martinez went off at halftime against Chelsea to be replaced by Robin Olsen due to a suspected tight hamstring.
The Swede performed well against Brighton but there is no doubt that the Villans have missed their number one. Bracey believes his impact could help turn the tide in the Conference League semi-final.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bracey said: “It’s massive. He is an indispensable member of the squad. I really hope that he is back for Olympiacos, it will help our chances.
“Robin Olsen had a great game against Brighton but he’s not Emi Martinez and everyone needs to realise that. It’s massive if he’s back for Thursday (9 May).
“He definitely gives us a chance of getting something if he is back from his injury.”
What impact can Emi Martinez have for Aston Villa v Olympiacos?
Martinez is up there with the best in the world in terms of goalkeepers so any team would miss a player of that quality.
According to FotMob, he has kept eight clean sheets and conceded 45 goals so far this season after featuring in 33 matches.
He was superb in his last full appearance against Bournemouth which saw him only concede due to a penalty given away by Matty Cash.
This saw him prevent 0.57 xG having been forced into making four saves throughout the game as well as two high claims and nine recoveries [FotMob].
What he adds beyond making world-class saves is his cool and calm nature on the ball. This has seen him spend the most time on the ball in the whole Premier League with 5,621 seconds [X].
Emery and the Villa fans will be hopeful that the Argentine will be back against Olympiacos as they embark on a comeback.
In other Aston Villa news, Emery is ready to take Villa to the next level with the signing of Nico Williams during the summer transfer window
For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.