Emery outlines Aston Villa injury situation ahead of Brighton opener
Unai Emery has provided an update on Aston Villa’s injury situation ahead of their Premier League opener against Brighton, which is scheduled for 23rd August at 6:30 pm IST. Emery said, “Tomorrow we’re going to train. Tomorrow, I’m going to decide with the players we have. Maybe even we can change something today or tomorrow.”
Aston Villa’s preparation for the new season has been affected by a string of injuries and notable summer departures, most recently Ezri Konsa. The squad has already featured competitively this campaign, losing 2-1 to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup final. The club reported that a few new faces have entered the treatment room during the build-up.
On squad readiness Emery maintained his approach to selection and recovery, saying the plans will be finalised after the imminent training session. He reiterated that decisions may be adjusted as circumstances change, reflecting the short-term nature of selection while players return to fitness. The manager’s comments underline that immediate availability will determine who travels and is named for the weekend.
Emery also addressed the broader state of the squad, stating: “We have enough players; we had a very good pre-season. The results, for me, not important – playing matches, watching young players, building the team, without a lot of players… we did good work.” He referenced preseason matches and the opportunity they provided to integrate younger players.
Transfer activity and forward options were raised alongside injury concerns, with the club reported to have made several signings during the summer window. The likely exit of Ollie Watkins has left the team with a potential need for a striker; Watkins has been linked with a move to Al Hilal. The club reportedly rejected an initial bid as they seek to retain the centre-forward for the coming campaign.
The Premier League opener against Brighton is set for 23rd August at 6:30 pm IST, with Emery to finalise his available squad following the training session he referenced. The manager’s decisions after that session will determine Villa’s selection for the season’s first match.
