Aston Villa: Emery unsure over Martinez availability for Arsenal clash
The Aston Villa goalkeeper has been struggling with a back issue.
Unai Emery does not know if goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez will be available for Aston Villa’s huge Premier League clash with Arsenal on Saturday.
Martinez missed Villa’s 4-3 win at Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday after he failed to complete the warm-up due to a back injury.
Marco Bizot deputised for the Argentina World Cup winner as Villa came from behind to win a thriller on the south coast, and the Dutchman may need to do so again.
Asked about Martinez’s fitness, Emery told a media conference: “We train this afternoon and he didn’t train yesterday.
“It’s very important for him how these passing hours if he is feeling better. Until the last moment I don’t know if he is going to be available or not for tomorrow.”
The lunchtime clash will see Emery face his former club, and it gives third-placed Villa the opportunity to cut the gap to the Premier League leaders to three points.
“We are very happy how we are progressing, how we are competing, how we are on points. We now really have a huge opportunity for tomorrow,” Emery added.
“Arsenal are the best team until now and of course the favourites to win this trophy in the Premier League because they are competing fantastically and playing fantastic.
“Tomorrow is really a huge test – collectively and individually. For me as a coach as well. I am delighted to have this opportunity to play tomorrow against Arsenal, with the level they have and with the level we have achieved over the last month.
“To play at Villa Park is something adding to our motivation, adding for the excited moment we have. Hopefully tomorrow we can watch a really fantastic match and every minute playing with a lot of emotions and playing well.”