Unai Emery provides an Aston Villa injury update before the Man United clash, including the latest on Matty Cash, John McGinn, Ross Barkley and Youri Tielemans.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has confirmed Matty Cash will be assessed ahead of Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The two sides head into the match locked together on 51 points after 29 games, with United currently occupying third place on goal difference while Villa sit just behind in fourth.
With Chelsea and Liverpool only three points further back, the result could have major implications in the race for Champions League qualification.
Cash remains a doubt for the encounter after being forced off at half-time during Villa’s defeat to Chelsea earlier this month.
The right-back subsequently missed Thursday’s Europa League round of 16 victory away at Lille, where Villa secured a valuable 0-1 win in France.
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Matty Cash injury update
Emery confirmed the Poland international is making progress but will need to pass a late fitness check before the trip to Manchester.
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“Matty Cash is progressing well and tomorrow we’ll see if he can be with us on Sunday or not,” said Emery in Friday’s pre-match press conference.
Villa were boosted in midweek by the return of captain John McGinn, who made his comeback from injury as a second-half substitute in the victory over Lille.
“Good news that John McGinn is back, Kamara is still out,” Emery added.
The Villa boss also confirmed Ross Barkley and Alysson will return to the squad for Sunday’s fixture after being unavailable for the European tie.
“Ross Barkley and Alysson are not in the list for Europe but will come back for Sunday.”
However, Villa remain without long-term absentee Boubacar Kamara, while midfielder Youri Tielemans is continuing his recovery and is not yet ready to return to action.
“Youri Tielemans is progressing well but there’s still time to work individually to join us,” Emery explained.
The match also comes with contrasting preparations for the two sides. United enter the weekend after an 11-day break following their 2-1 defeat at Newcastle, while Villa must quickly recover from their midweek European trip.
With Champions League qualification on the line, Sunday’s encounter at Old Trafford could prove one of the most decisive fixtures of the Premier League run-in.
