Villa's Squad Stretched Thin for Emirates Trip
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is confronting a significant selection headache ahead of his side's pivotal Premier League journey to face Arsenal on Tuesday evening. The Midlands club could be missing as many as six first-team players for the high-stakes encounter at the Emirates Stadium.
This setback comes despite Villa riding a crest of a wave, having secured a remarkable 2-1 comeback victory against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. That win, sealed by a second-half brace from substitute Ollie Watkins, marked an incredible 11th consecutive triumph across all competitions.
Suspensions and Absences Mount for Emery
The victory in West London came at a cost, however. Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara both received their fifth yellow cards of the campaign, triggering an automatic one-match suspension. The pair will sit out the Arsenal fixture but will be available for the following weekend's match against Nottingham Forest.
Their enforced absence is compounded by other unavailable players. Striker Evan Guessand is currently away on international duty with the Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations. Meanwhile, midfielder Ross Barkley continues his rehabilitation from a knee injury and remains sidelined.
Defensive Doubts Linger for Crucial Clash
Further concerns lie in defence, where the availability of key centre-backs Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings remains uncertain. While both players are reportedly close to a return to action, it is unclear whether they will recover in time to be part of the squad travelling to North London.
The situation leaves Emery with little choice but to make at least two changes to his starting line-up. The Spaniard is scheduled to address the media at the club's Bodymoor Heath training ground on Monday afternoon, where he is expected to deliver a definitive update on his squad's fitness.
Tuesday's match carries extra weight in the Premier League table. Villa's win over Chelsea ensured they stay within touching distance of the Gunners, trailing Mikel Arteta's side by just three points. The outcome of this midweek fixture could prove crucial in the shaping of the top-four race.
