Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery delivers a mixed injury update ahead of Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Manchester United.
Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery has suggested that two players are likely to miss Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Manchester United.
The West Midlands outfit have enjoyed an excellent start to the new campaign, accumulating 13 points from their opening six matches in the top flight.
Furthermore, Villa have recorded back-to-back victories in the Champions League, backing up a win over Young Boys with a famous triumph versus Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.
Jhon Duran scored a 35-yard winner to seal a 1-0 success over the Bundesliga giants, but Villa’s efforts during that encounter came at a cost.
Jacob Ramsey, Amadou Onana and Leon Bailey were all forced to leave the pitch either side of half time having sustained injury issues.
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Who has a chance of playing?
Ramsey needed to be withdrawn during the first half with what appeared to be a groin injury, while Onana was struggling with a hamstring issue prior to the break before being substituted after half time.
Meanwhile, Bailey had been introduced for the injured Ramsey in the 27th minute before being replaced himself in the 60th minute, it being unclear at the time what the issue was.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Emery has suggested that Ramsey and Bailey are facing a race against time to recover for the visit of United.
The Spaniard told reporters: “Jacob Ramsey and Leon Bailey are for now both doubts. I don’t know if they are going to be available. They are both so, so tired. I am not sure they will be 100% for Sunday.
“We need every player so tomorrow we will see how they feel. Today, they are a doubt.”
While Onana remains as a doubt, Emery has indicated that the Belgium international’s hamstring issue is “not a serious injury” and he could make the squad.
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Time for Duran?
Emery has largely played with a settled side in the Premier League, but having no Ramsey and Bailey – as well as John McGinn – would leave him with a dilemma.
Ross Barkley could be brought into the side in a more attack-minded role than he was deployed in on Wednesday when replacing Onana.
Ian Maatsen or Emiliano Buendia could be used as a straight alternative on the left, while Duran may finally get his chance from the start down the middle with Ollie Watkins being used out wide.
Emery must also decide whether Jaden Philogene is fit enough to start after playing the full 90 minutes in his first start of the season against Bayern.
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