Emi Martinez injury: Aston Villa issue update ahead of Brighton clash

Emi Martinez faces a late fitness test (Picture: Getty)

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery confirmed that Emi Martinez will face a late fitness test to decide his availability before their clash against Brighton on Sunday.

Martinez was withdrawn at half-time in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea after he picked up a hamstring injury.

The Argentine missed Thursday’s Europa Conference League semi-final first leg defeat against Olympiacos due to suspension but still needs to prove his fitness in Saturday’s training session if he is to come back into the starting line-up for the trip down to the south coast.

‘Tomorrow is the training session we can have more information on players who played yesterday and others who had small injuries,’ Emery said in his pre-match press conference on Friday.

‘If he [Martinez] feels comfortable and without risk, he could be available.’

Midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo could return to the starting line-up after he was included on the bench in midweek, while Alex Moreno remains a doubt after picking up a calf injury against Arsenal in April.

Tyrone Mings, Boubacar Kamara, Jacob Ramsey, and Emi Buendia remain sidelined with longer-term injuries.

Unai Emery’s side are closing in on the Champions League (Picture: Getty)

Despite their disappointing 4-2 loss against Olympiacos, Villa can take another huge step towards Champions League qualification with a win against Brighton.

Emery’s side currently have a seven-point lead over Tottenham in fifth place, although the north London club do have a game in hand.

Despite Roberto De Zerbi’s side enduring a six-game winless run in the league, Emery is expecting a difficult afternoon at the Amex Stadium.

‘The respect for them is high. Roberto De Zerbi is an amazing coach, he was playing very good with very good results last year,’ the Spaniard said.

‘It’s always very difficult. We played against them in different matches last year and this year as well, and on Sunday it’s going to be very difficult.’

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