Unai Emery provides update on Emiliano Martínez and Jadon Sancho before Aston Villa vs Bologna
Aston Villa return to European action on Thursday night as they host Bologna in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final.
Villa hold a strong 3-1 advantage from the first leg in Italy, putting them in a commanding position to reach the semi-finals.
Despite that cushion, preparation for the game has not been entirely straightforward, with a number of fitness concerns hovering over the squad following the weekend’s domestic action.
Head coach Unai Emery addressed the media on Wednesday, offering an update on several key players.
Martínez boost but Sancho still building fitness
One of the main concerns centred around Emiliano Martínez, who was withdrawn shortly before kick-off against Nottingham Forest last weekend.
Providing clarity, Emery suggested the situation may not be as serious as first feared.
“Today he is training with us, Emiliano Martínez,” Emery said at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
“Normally, he is going to be available for tomorrow. And tomorrow we will decide.”
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There was also an update on Jadon Sancho, who has been sidelined since picking up a shoulder injury during the international break.
Emery remains optimistic about the winger’s long-term impact, despite his recent absence.
“He is coming back and, of course, he is a fantastic player,” Emery said on Sancho.
“He needs to be consistent, I think he has been demanding and he adapted in our structure, progressively getting better.
“It’s a pity in the last two weeks he’s been injured because he finished before the break fantastic.
“And now we are playing matches to check everything and to get our objectives collectively.
“Individually, hopefully, we can get the best of him. This is our challenge as well.”
Elsewhere, Villa will be without Ross Barkley and Alysson, who were not included in the club’s Europa League squad, while Boubacar Kamara remains a longer-term absentee.
With a two-goal advantage and key players nearing returns, Villa will be confident of finishing the job at Villa Park and progressing to the final four.
