Aston Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training ground was hit by a virus outbreak this week and Gregg Evans reported for The Athletic that a number of under-23 and academy players will be drafted in so that tonight’s FA Cup meeting with Liverpool can be fulfilled.
Carney Chukwuemeka is among those who stand to benefit, and there could be a lot of excitement from supporters over his inclusion as his future looks bright with the Claret and Blues.
The 17-year-old signed his first professional contract with Villa in October 2020 as reward for his development at youth level and Academy manager Mark Harrison has tipped him to progress to the first team in the future.
Chukwuemeka has made 19 appearances for the under-18s, scoring two goals and supplying six assists. He has been a regular in the under-23s over the last year, making 14 appearances and notching two assists, but he would get his senior debut tonight if he is selected.
While his first team bow may come sooner than anticipated, the teenager has already been the subject of some rather grandiose claims.
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Last year, Villa’s chief executive Christian Purslow called the midfielder “probably the best 16-year-old in England right now” and a scout described him as “the best player Villa have got coming through” (The Athletic).
That puts a lot of pressure on his shoulders, but the youngsters lining up against Liverpool will get something of a free pass. They have had little time to prepare for the fixture and the result has no bearing on Villa’s Premier League campaign, so Chukwuemeka and co should try to enjoy the opportunity if, as seem likely, it is given to them.
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