Aston Villa faces Chelsea at Villa Park on Wednesday night time, with each groups battling for Champions League spots. Villa holds fourth place regardless of successful solely considered one of their final 5 Premier League matches. Chelsea sits three factors behind Liverpool outdoors the highest 5 after a shock loss to Wolves.
A victory for both aspect might increase their top-four ambitions considerably. Nevertheless, accidents and suspensions threaten to sideline as much as 11 gamers, difficult managers Unai Emery and Liam Rosenior.
Aston Villa Damage Updates
Villa’s harm record has shortened just lately, however key absences persist. Captain John McGinn stays the closest to restoration after lacking 9 video games resulting from surgical procedure. He shared final week: “I’ve been making an attempt to remain beneath the radar a bit, making an attempt to get again match as rapidly as doable. The restoration goes nicely, surgical procedure was fairly simple and it’s been good. I acquired my head round it fast. I’ve been lucky in my profession to not have many severe accidents so this one was simpler to just accept. It’s been robust to observe however I’m feeling able to get again in and in good condition for that. I’m nicely on my method and hopefully be again earlier than then (eight weeks), perhaps one other two or three weeks.” Officers verify Wednesday’s match arrives too quickly for him.
Youri Tielemans, sidelined since January, targets an April return. Andres Garcia additionally eyes subsequent month. Boubacar Kamara, out since January, seemingly misses the remainder of the season.
Liverpool loanee Harvey Elliott struggles for minutes, with Emery confirming a latest harm because the trigger.
Chelsea’s Lacking Gamers
Pedro Neto serves a suspension after receiving two yellows in Chelsea’s loss to Arsenal, marking the crew’s tenth pink card this season throughout competitions.
Estevao Willian battles a hamstring problem from earlier than the Burnley draw. Rosenior famous earlier than the Arsenal match: “Sadly, Estevao will likely be out for just a little bit longer.” Optimistic updates present the Brazilian operating on the pitch, with a doable return by late March.
Marc Cucurella gives a possible increase after lacking time because the 2-2 Leeds draw. Dario Essugo, new from Sporting CP, resumes coaching following thigh surgical procedure from late final yr.
Jamie Gittens faces an prolonged absence resulting from a hamstring tear within the 3-2 West Ham win in late January, per Rosenior. Levi Colwill recovers from a pre-season ACL knee harm.
