Unai Emery provides a key fitness update as Aston Villa prepare to host Brighton, with midfield availability a major talking point
Aston Villa return to Villa Park on Wednesday night aiming to get back to winning ways, with Unai Emery facing a delicate balancing act as his side continue to navigate a demanding run of fixtures.
The 1-1 draw away at Bournemouth over the weekend was a blow to Villa’s outside title hopes, but questions remain over how Emery manages his squad depth as injuries, returns and workload all factor into selection decisions against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Speaking ahead of the midweek clash, the Villa boss stressed adaptability and trust in his squad, insisting he has enough options despite recent disruptions.
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“It has been frustrating, I don’t feel like I’ve played a game this season fully fit.”https://t.co/8lcpeHzdAQ #CFC #FPL
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“As a coach, I have to adapt in everything, but we have enough players, and we have other centre-midfielders,” Emery said.
Midfield availability was a central theme of Emery’s update, with Amadou Onana singled out as a key figure whose fitness requires careful handling.
The Belgian has battled minor issues this season, and Villa are keen to keep him available while maintaining consistency.
“Someone like Onana needs to be consistent, because he had some small injuries,” Emery explained. “Now, we are trying to keep him playing a lot of matches, how we can manage his progress and his availability each match, and of course, he’s very important for us.”
Midfield returns offer timely boost
Villa have also been encouraged by the return of Ross Barkley, who is back after injury and available for selection. Emery highlighted Barkley’s importance, particularly with the schedule intensifying.
“Ross Barkley is coming back after being injured, and he’s ready – another very important player,” he said.
Douglas Luiz – back at the club on loan from Juventus – is also firmly back in the picture, having impressed at the weekend.
“Douglas Luiz, his adaptation again is being good,” Emery added. “He played a good match on Saturday in Bournemouth.”
Emery was keen to underline the importance of squad confidence, whether players are returning from injury or stepping into new roles.
“Every player, the injured players, and the players who are available, they are very important,” he said. “They must feel our confidence… to feel comfortable, to feel confident, to play the same way we want.”
With Barkley reintegrated and Luiz up to speed, Emery confirmed his midfield options are ready.
“Tomorrow they are ready to play and to perform like we need.”
Ollie Watkins availability
Up front, Ollie Watkins appears to have shaken off the knock that has troubled him in recent weeks. He completed 85 minutes against Bournemouth and looks to be ready from the start against Brighton .
Villa will hope that growing stability in midfield translates into three points as Brighton visit Villa Park on Wednesday evening.