May 3rd 2024.
Emi Martinez's Fitness Test and Villa's Upcoming Match
Aston Villa's Emi Martinez is facing a late fitness test ahead of their game against Brighton on Sunday. According to manager Unai Emery, Martinez, who was taken out of last weekend's match against Chelsea due to a hamstring injury, still needs to prove his fitness in Saturday's training session in order to be included in the starting line-up for the trip to the south coast. While Martinez did miss Thursday's Europa Conference League semi-final due to suspension, he must still pass the test before being cleared to play.
Emery provided an update on the team's injuries, stating that midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo could make a return to the starting line-up after being on the bench in the previous match, while Alex Moreno remains a doubt due to a calf injury he sustained against Arsenal in April. However, defenders Tyrone Mings, Boubacar Kamara, midfielder Jacob Ramsey, and forward Emi Buendia are still recovering from long-term injuries and will not be available for Sunday's game.
Despite a disappointing 4-2 defeat against Olympiacos, Villa is still in a good position to qualify for the Champions League. They currently hold a seven-point lead over Tottenham in fifth place, although the London club has a game in hand. Emery's side knows that a win against Brighton will bring them closer to their goal of qualifying for the prestigious tournament.
Emery acknowledged that their upcoming match against Brighton will not be easy, despite the host's recent struggles. The Villans have faced Brighton in previous matches and know that they are a formidable opponent. Emery specifically praised Brighton's coach, Roberto De Zerbi, and his ability to produce positive results. The Spaniard also mentioned that they have a lot of respect for Brighton and are expecting a tough battle on Sunday.
In other news, there have been some developments in the transfer market for Arsenal. The Gunners have been linked to a £51m transfer target and there is a player who is eager to stay with the club despite offers from other teams. Additionally, Jose Mourinho has named his top three teams to win Euro 2024. Stay tuned for more updates on these stories and more.
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