Emery will have an eye on Aidan Borland after crushing Aston Villa injury news
Unai Emery could be forced to trust Aidan Borland in the Aston Villa first-team for upcoming clashes.
The 17-year-old has already made his debut for the Villans’ first team this campaign, coming on in the EFL Cup against Wycombe Wanderers in September.
The Scotland under-19s international has since returned to the academy sides and has shone as a regular starter at Bodymoor Heath.
This could stand the young midfielder in good stead to land a spot in the side under the Spanish head coach after a new injury blow at Villa Park.
Aidan Borland could fill-in after Boubacar Kamara injury at Aston Villa
There has been no lack of fitness worries in B6 throughout this campaign which have hampered Emery’s ability to have a positive campaign.
The latest setback comes in the shape of Boubacar Kamara who was forced off against Ipswich Town after just 16 minutes.
The Frenchman now looks set to spend at least two weeks on the sidelines with a muscle injury [Jacob Tanswell], leaving the midfield very light at Villa Park.
This could prove to be the perfect opportunity for Borland to step up to the first team and show the manager what he can add.
The Scot has proven that he can step up on the big occasion as he put in a superb performance against Puskas Akademia in the UEFA Youth League.
Charlie Pavey got on the scoresheet and took the headlines but it was his midfield teammate who put in a quietly positive showing away in Hungary.
This saw the ex-Celtic youngster maintain a 94 per cent pass accuracy with one of those being a key pass and four being successful long balls [SofaScore].
This versatility with the ball at his feet will be an attractive prospect to Emery who will also be pleased with the starlet’s defensive abilities.
Against Puskas, Borland won seven duels while also getting involved with four tackles and not allowing a single player to dribble past him.
This combined with three clearances, three interceptions and one block could prove to be an asset in the senior squad while Kamara is out.
Boubacar Kamara two week injury represents blow for Aston Villa
There is no doubt that the former Marseille man is arguably one of the Villans’ best players and will represent a big miss.
His calming influence in the midfield or defensive line helps to get the best out of teammates like Youri Tielemans and John McGinn who are given more of a licence to get forward.
Given that clashes against Liverpool and Chelsea are coming up, the absence of the Frenchman will be seriously disappointing to Emery.
With that being said, it would be the perfect opportunity for Borland to come in and make a name for himself in the first team picture in B6.
This could see the young Scot be handed his Premier League debut against Arne Slot’s side on Wednesday (19 January), as the squad must now be kept fresh.