Emiliano Martinez source shares new injury update amid Aston Villa ‘alarm bells’
Emi Martinez was missing from the squad for Aston Villa’s match against Bologna on Thursday.
Villa narrowly beat Bologna 1-0, with back-up goalkeeper Marco Bizot making a stunning save in the final moments to preserve the home side’s lead.
The Dutchman has proved a reliable option since his arrival in the summer, keeping two clean sheets in just four appearances.
Martinez impressed against Everton when the Villans were held to a 0-0 draw, with the Argentine making several brilliant saves.
And the goalkeeper is expected to return to the starting line-up once he is fit, despite a summer of uncertainty.
Emi Martinez left out against Bologna amid injury risk
Martinez was left out of the Villa squad before transfer deadline day, after the goalkeeper had been clear about his intentions in the summer.
The goalkeeper had said his goodbyes at Villa Park, and was expecting to join Manchester United.
A deal never materialised, however, with the Red Devils instead signing young stopper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp.
Martinez was reintegrated into the Villa squad following the window’s close, and has looked to be back to his best.
| Emi Martinez | Premier League 2025/26 |
| Appearances | 37 |
| Saves | 100 |
| Save percentage | 69% |
| Clean sheets | 8 |
| Penalty saves | 1 |
| Errors | 1 |
But when the 33-year-old was missing from the squad against Bologna on Thursday, “alarm bells”, as Argentinian outlet Ole put it on Thursday, again sounded.
Ole reported on Friday, however, that the goalkeeper suffered an injury against Sunderland, with a source close to Martinez confirming “[Villa] preferred to take care of him” in the build-up to the Bologna clash.
Unai Emery has confirmed as much now, telling the media in his pre-match presser that he is hopeful that the Argentina international will be available for Sunday’s game against Fulham.
Emi Martinez return needed at Aston Villa
Despite Martinez’s integration back into the Villa team, the goalkeeper is yet to make his return to Villa Park since the summer’s events.
What type of reception the Argentine will receive, is unclear. Martinez made his desire to leave clear in the summer, and feelings on both sides were undoubtedly hurt.
But as demonstrated in the Everton game, the 33-year-old is hugely important to Villa, and will be a welcome addition back to the team as Emery looks to save the ship.
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