Unai Emery confirms four Aston Villa players definitely in squad vs Everton after injury scares
Aston Villa are back in Premier League action following the international break on Saturday, as they travel to take on Everton.
The Villans have picked up just one point from their opening three fixtures so far, but a win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium would kickstart Unai Emery’s side’s season on 13 September.
Jack Grealish is expected to feature against Villa, with the winger looking to continue his career revival in Merseyside.
Whilst Emery will know Aston Villa must improve offensively, the Spanish manager has also been handed a major boost when it comes to players being available to feature.
Emi Martinez among those who could feature this weekend
The Argentinian shot stopper will likely receive a frosty reception from Villa supporters if he starts, with Martinez attempting to force a move away over the summer.
Matty Cash also had an injury scare whilst away on international duty, but Emery confirmed in his press conference that the defender is “available” to play against Everton.
Marco Bizot and Sam Proctor will also be in the squad to take on Everton, and who Emery will choose to deploy in goal remains to be seen.
However, all the news Emery delivered was not positive, with multiple players being injured or unavailable.
“We have some players injured. They are close to coming back – Andrés García, (Boubacar) Kamara and Amadou Onana,” Emery said.
“Ross Barkley has a personal issue, and I think he will be available soon, but not yet.”
What did Unai Emery say about Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott?
Elliott and Sancho both arrived at Villa Park on deadline, with the two deals splitting opinion.
Elliott is regarded as an excellent acquisition after securing the young playmaker’s services from Liverpool initially on loan, with an obligation to buy next season based on appearances.
Signing Sancho on loan from Manchester United, on the other hand, is seen as a real risk when considering how far the winger’s reputation has fallen since he moved back in 2021.
Emery confirmed both of his new attackers, as well as Victor Lindelof, will be in the squad, but Sancho may have to wait before he begins to start frequently under Emery.
“They are in the squad. They were working with us last week and this week. Different circumstances. For example, Jadon Sancho was not training with the group, and physically, he will need time,” Emery said.
“Harvey Elliott was playing and training consistently with Liverpool. More or less, he is fit.”
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Aston Villa news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @villanews247