Aston Villa’s hopes of a top-four finish in the Premier League have been dealt a significant blow with the news that several key players are struggling with injuries.
Manager Unai Emery revealed on Friday that winger Jacob Ramsey and midfielder Amadou Onana are still sidelined with injuries, while several other players are doubts for the game against Southampton.
“Jacob Ramsey is still weeks to come back – he is progressing well,” Emery said, as per BBC Sport. “Onana is close to coming back – maybe today he can do something with us. I don’t know whether he will be with us. Maybe Tuesday is easier.”
Emery’s update on Ramsey and Onana was as expected, but he also revealed that some of his other stars are doubts for the game against Southampton.
“Some are doubts,” Emery said. “Some had pain yesterday and some are tired. We are going to train now this afternoon.”
One player who could be among the doubts is defender Tyrone Mings, who Emery revealed was tired after the win over Brentford on Wednesday.
Aston Villa’s injury woes come at a bad time, with the club facing a hectic fixture run over the next few weeks. Emery’s side play five matches in the space of 20 days, including a home clash against RB Leipzig in the Champions League.
The run includes a trip to Nottingham Forest on December 14, a home clash against Manchester City on December 21, and a trip to Newcastle United on Boxing Day.
With ambitions of qualifying for Europe’s elite competition, how many points Villa accumulate between now and the New Year could determine whether they are in the top-four picture or fall by the wayside.
Aston Villa’s injury woes will be a major concern for Emery, but he will be hoping that his team can build on their recent performances and pick up a valuable three points against Southampton.
The Saints are rock bottom of the Premier League, winning just one of their 14 matches. Villa will be confident of getting a good result, but they will need to be careful not to underestimate their opponents.
A win against Southampton would be a huge boost for Villa, and would help to cement their position in the top half of the table. But with injuries mounting and a hectic fixture run on the horizon, Emery will need to rotate his squad carefully to ensure that his team can maintain their momentum.