Missing Arsenal Stars: Aston Villa Clash Threatened as Five Key Players Face Absence
When Aston Villa hosts Arsenal at Villa Park on Saturday, they will have the opportunity to close the gap on the current league leaders, Arsenal, to just one point.
This weekend, Unai Emery’s team will visit Mikel Arteta’s squad in an attempt to win the league at home for a record-tying fifteenth straight time. Villa defeated champions Manchester City 1-0 on Wednesday to tie their club record.
On Saturday, they play an Arsenal team that is vying for Premier League greatness as they lead the table by two points at the moment. However, as our colleagues at football.london have noted, the North London team is dealing with a number of injury concerns.
Takehiro Tomiyasu was already doubtful to play against Luton the last time out, but it appears the right-back will be out for some time and won’t be playing on Saturday. Ahead of the Luton match, Arteta stated, “We assessed him after the game.” “We took him out for precaution.”
The Spaniard then continued: “We will wait. We’ll determine whether using him is beneficial tomorrow. Given his strength, I’m sure he’ll be alright.” Sadly, Tomiyasu wasn’t well and will be joining those who will be sidelined till 2024. According to football.london, the 25-year-old is anticipated to miss four to six weeks of action.
The roster of players who might not return until the New Year keeps becoming longer. Due to a knee problem, Emile Smith Rowe is not playing. Arteta concluded by stating, “It is possible [that he will return for January].” “Emile has already gone jogging on the pitch. He heals quickly.”
He might make a comeback at the end of the month, but this Saturday’s trip to Villa is far too soon. Thomas Partey, who is in the same category as Smith Rowe, is also sidelined due to a thigh ailment.
Another player that is anticipated to return in 2024 and not earlier is Fabio Vieira, who fills the gap in the midfield now being developed. When his groyne issue surfaced last week, Arteta responded, “Yeah, we’ve got a problem with him.” He’s been feeling a little uncomfortable. We took him to a doctor, and the recommendation was for him to have surgery on his groyne. That was yesterday. Before the end of winter break, we don’t anticipate him returning.”
Although he has been out for a while, Jurrien Timber has been improving with his recuperation.