Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has confirmed that midfielders Amadou Onana and Alysson will both miss the final home game of the season against Liverpool at Villa Park.
Injury Update
Onana sustained a calf injury during the first half of Villa's Europa League semi-final first leg against Nottingham Forest two weeks ago. Emery had previously stated after the 2-2 draw with Burnley that the Belgian international was expected to be sidelined for up to three weeks, making his availability for the Europa League final uncertain.
“We have the same players out,” Emery explained in his pre-match press conference. “Amadou Onana is not available for tomorrow and Alysson as well. Kamara is out. Other players, at the beginning, should be ready to play tomorrow.”
Liverpool Challenge
Speaking about the upcoming match against Liverpool, Emery highlighted the significance of the fixture. “Everything is very important and in the process we are in, each game is very important. Now we are at the end of the season, with the highest challenge we expected at the beginning to finish the season with. The top five would be something fantastic.
“Tomorrow we are playing one team who were a favourite to win the league after winning it last season, fighting with Arsenal and Man City. We have the same points as them and we must be so proud of it.
“Now it’s about how we can test ourselves against them. Liverpool have a fantastic coach and have fantastic players. They are not being consistent like before, but they are still a fantastic team. It is Liverpool.
“Playing against them at Villa Park in the day 37 with 59 points, and trying to test us against them is something amazing.”
Villa will be looking to secure a top-five finish and continue their impressive season, with the Europa League final also on the horizon.
