Aston Villa back-up plan required as Emi Martinez raises concern with World Cup comments

Aston Villa may have to make do without Emi Martinez for the start of the Premier League campaign, even if the goalkeeper does not exit beforehand.

Martinez has been linked with a summer exit from Villa Park once again, with Juventus said to be eager to snap him up.

The 33-year-old's focus right now is on the World Cup with Argentina, who are looking to retain the trophy won three-and-a-half years ago.

It is no secret just how much Martinez loves representing his country.

So much so that the former Arsenal keeper has made a decision that will likely impact Villa.

With that in mind, Unai Emery will know a back-up plan could be required come the start of the season in around six weeks' time.

Emi Martinez delays decision over finger injury

Martinez is very much loved by Villa fans just as much as he is by those in Argentina.

The 2023 Yashin Trophy winner has spent six years in the West Midlands now, racking up 128 appearances in that time.

Martinez's proudest moment came just over a month ago when he played his part in Villa's Europa League triumph.

He had just one save to make on a routine night for Villa, but Martinez's presence was still more than felt.

That was despite breaking his finger during the warm-up, with that an injury usually enough to sideline a player, let alone a goalkeeper - but not Martinez.

He has since played all three of Argentina's group games at the World Cup, totalling more than 270 minutes on the field.

And in a new interview with Diario Ole, via Mundo Albiceleste, Martinez has confirmed he delayed the decision to undergo surgery on his finger.

"I can now play without a finger kit for the next game," he said. "I decided not to have surgery.

"I came here very prepared. I still haven’t trained with the group. On the pitch, I try not to suffer.

"When they told me I had to have surgery, millions of questions came to me, but [Lionel Scaloni] supported me. He told me no matter the game, he would always support me."

While that is all well and good for Argentina, the issue will still have to be dealt with and that could potentially sideline Martinez for the start of next season.

What other choice does Unai Emery have?

Marco Bizot was asked to deputise at times last season, featuring six times in cup competitions and seven times in the league.

The 35-year-old conceded 1.4 goals per game in the Premier League and saved 66 per cent of the shots he faced.

For comparison, Martinez conceded 0.3 per game and saved 50 per cent of the shots he faces.

Bizot actually boasts a better save percentage than Martinez, then, while there is little between them in terms of goals prevented (-0.42 vs -0.44).

But beyond the stats, it is clear Martinez is by far the better goalkeeper, one who is capable of "remarkable" moments as Nuno Espirito Santo put it last year.

From a selfish perspective, Villa will hope Argentina get knocked out of the World Cup early, Martinez undergoes surgery and is then able to rest up fully.

The transfer talk will persist, but Villa must ensure they do all they can to keep one of their key men in place.