Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Sat 16 May 2026 17:10, UK

Aston Villa are set to face Freiburg in the Europa League final on Wednesday, but will they have a fully fit squad available?

After securing Champions League qualification against Liverpool on Friday, all eyes are on a showpiece clash in Istanbul next week.

Unai Emery went all in against the Premier League, taking a risk by starting arguably his strongest side, and it certainly paid off.

Goals from Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and John McGinn made all the difference at Villa Park to truly kickstart momentum before the 1,600-mile trip.

Aston Villa are now preparing to face Freiburg as they wait on the fitness of four first-team stars to see whether they can feature in the final.

Emi Buendia and Amadou Onana fitness updates shared

If there was a perfect way to prepare for the Istanbul crunch match, it was securing an impressive win over Arne Slot’s side.

A 4-2 win in B6 raised the roof and showed the confidence that is currently flowing through the claret and blue outfit when they are at their best.

Playing the strongest possible side was certainly worthwhile, but by the end, Emery was able to take his best players off.

The first change saw Victor Lindelof replaced by Ross Barkley due to a knock, while other issues have also hit the squad.

Jacob Tanswell reports that Tyrone Mings had a hip issue on Friday, while Amadou Onana only has eyes on the Europa League final.

The boost is that he expects that trio to be available, while adding that Emi Buendia is fine despite having ice strapped to his calf after coming off.

After a stunning Villa performance against Liverpool, this will be a boost to the B6 outfit ahead of the biggest game in a generation.

Aston Villa need Victor Lindelof available

He may have only lasted 45 minutes against the Reds, but the 31-year-old remains an integral part of this Villa side right now.

With Onana missing, having the Swede at the base of midfield has been massive, and that was on show once again on Friday.

He was able to complete 94 per cent of his attempted passes while chipping in with two defensive actions in the Midlands.

That followed from his last Villa Park outing against Nottingham Forest, where he won 100 per cent of his ground duels and provided three defensive contributions.

Having that Lindelof available in Istanbul could prove to be massive, especially with Onana having missed the last four fixtures in all competitions.