Aston Villa are facing an anxious wait over the fitness of midfielder Amadou Onana ahead of Thursday's Europa League semi-final first leg against Nottingham Forest. The Belgium international missed Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Fulham with a knee injury, and manager Unai Emery has confirmed he will be monitored on a day-to-day basis.
Emery unsure on Onana return
Speaking after the match at Craven Cottage, Emery admitted he could not say whether Onana would be fit for the crucial European tie. 'I don't know when he is going to be available,' said Emery. 'It is something for the doctor, every day how he is progressing. I don't know if he is going to be ready for tomorrow, or next Thursday. If not, we have Lamare Bogarde.'
Bogarde made a rare midfield start in west London and is the favourite to replace Onana again if required. Ross Barkley is not part of Villa's Europa League squad, limiting Emery's options.
Defeat dents Champions League hopes
Ryan Sessegnon's first-half goal was enough to condemn Villa to defeat, ending their six-match unbeaten run and missing the chance to move closer to Champions League qualification. 'We did everything we were planning but sometimes we are scoring, sometimes not like today,' said Emery. 'It was a tight match and they score one goal and we lost.'
