Unai Emery has delivered a massive update for Aston Villa fans, confirming that Emi Martinez is fit to start following a recent scare. Joining the World Cup winner is an “influential” star set to return to the matchday squad after a fortnight on the sidelines.
- Martinez returned against Bologna but will be assessed before Sunday’s 2pm kick-off
- Sancho came off the bench on Thursday after his shoulder injury but remains monitored
- Kamara is definitely out for the remainder of the season with a serious knee injury
- Alysson is also absent and targets next weekend’s trip to Fulham
Martinez is the biggest question mark
The most pressing fitness concern surrounds Villa’s number one. Emiliano Martinez missed last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest: a significant absence that underlined just how dependent Villa’s defensive structure is on the Argentine’s commanding presence.
Despite the initial caution following the Bologna victory, Unai Emery has now moved to clear the air, confirming that Emi Martinez is fit and ready to reclaim his spot between the sticks for Sunday’s clash.
The Argentine’s return to action against the Italian side provided a masterclass in composure, as he helped guide Villa to a dominant 4-0 win and a resounding 7-1 aggregate success in the Europa League Quarter final second leg.
While the medical staff had spent the week monitoring the 33-year-old’s recovery to ensure no lingering issues from his recent calf scare, the news from the training ground is overwhelmingly positive.
Addressing the media ahead of the 2pm kick-off, Emery confirmed that the “world’s number one” has come through full training sessions without a hitch. The Villa boss made it clear that Martinez is no longer just under assessment but is fully integrated and prepared to start, providing a massive psychological lift to a defence looking to shut down Sunderland’s frontline.
“Martinez is training with us. Normally he will be available tomorrow, and tomorrow we will decide.” He said
With the World Cup winner confirmed to lead the team out, any lingering fears over a backup goalkeeper having to step in for such a pivotal fixture have been firmly put to bed.
Given the volume of crucial fixtures remaining, including the Europa League semi-final against Nottingham Forest, Emery will not take any unnecessary risks with his most important player. His availability could prove decisive against a Sunderland side in strong form.
Sancho cautious return after shoulder problem
Jadon Sancho’s situation is equally encouraging but equally cautious. The 25-year-old had been sidelined since sustaining a shoulder injury during Villa’s friendly against Elche: a setback that ruled him out of both Europa League quarter-final legs against Bologna.
Thursday night brought a welcome return, with the former Manchester United winger entering the action during the final fifteen minutes as a substitute for Morgan Rogers.
That cameo will have provided Emery with valuable information about the winger’s physical readiness. Nevertheless, the Spanish manager will monitor the 25-year-old closely before committing to a starting decision on Sunday.
On Sancho, he added: “He’s coming back and of course he’s a fantastic player. He needs to be consistent and I think he is being demanding. He adapted in our structure, getting better. It’s a pity he was injured as he finished before the international break fantastic.”
With Sancho’s permanent deal discussions ongoing and Borussia Dortmund still circling, keeping him fully fit for the remainder of the campaign is an absolute priority.
The wider picture: Kamara and Alysson also out
Beyond the two headline fitness concerns, Emery must also manage the confirmed absences of Boubacar Kamara and Alysson.
The Belgian midfielder’s season is over entirely following a serious knee injury: a loss that has impacted Villa’s midfield balance throughout the campaign. Brazilian prospect Alysson, meanwhile, is targeting next weekend’s trip to Craven Cottage as his return date.
Emery remains focused despite the concerns
Speaking after Thursday’s Bologna victory, the Villa manager struck a typically measured tone. “There’s still work to do,” he stated. “The priority is still the Premier League. We are fourth and we are playing on Sunday against Sunderland.” That clarity of focus, even amid injury uncertainty, defines exactly why this squad continues to compete on two fronts simultaneously.
Villa must be ready whatever the team news
Champions League qualification is firmly within Villa’s grasp. The Europa League semi-final is booked. Sunday is the next step, and Emery needs his most important players available to take it.
