Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is without a ‘strong’ and ‘quick’ player for their trip to Bournemouth on Saturday, following a pre-match injury update from the Spaniard himself.
Overall, Villa have received crucial positive team news ahead of their vital Premier League encounter at the Vitality Stadium.
Emery’s side desperately need maximum points on the south coast following last weekend’s shocking 1-0 home defeat against Brentford that dealt a massive blow to their fading title aspirations.
Villa currently sit seven points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal with just 14 matches remaining in the campaign.
The Villans looked completely toothless in attack against the Bees, struggling badly without their talismanic striker Ollie Watkins leading the line.
Emery was forced into deploying new signing Tammy Abraham straight into the starting lineup despite the former Chelsea forward barely having completed any proper training sessions since arriving.
Watkins missed last weekend’s disappointment after pulling up with a hamstring problem during the midweek Europa League victory over RB Salzburg.
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The England international’s absence proved absolutely catastrophic for Villa’s attacking threat against a well-organised Brentford side.
However, Emery confirmed during Friday’s pre-match press conference that Watkins has now returned to full fitness and will rejoin the squad travelling down to Bournemouth.
The 28-year-old represents Villa’s primary goal threat this season and his comeback provides an enormous boost.
Amadou Onana also returns to full availability after mysteriously sitting unused on the bench against Brentford despite being named amongst the substitutes.
The Belgian midfielder was suffering from muscle stiffness that prevented Emery from introducing him during the match.
Why Onana was included on the bench whilst carrying an injury is anyone’s guess, but the positive development sees the powerful midfielder now completely recovered and available for selection.
While both Watkins and Onana are set to return to the fold, Villa are set to be without Alysson once again.
Emery without Aston Villa signing Alysson after pre-Bournemouth update
January signing Alysson took part in training this week, but according to the club’s official website, the Brazilian sensation still won’t be taking part against Bournemouth.
The 19-year-old is still waiting to make his senior debut for Emery’s side after earning plenty of admirers across the Atlantic, but going by this latest update, he’ll be forced to wait a little while longer.
Alysson arrived at Villa in the winter after impressing throughout 41 senior outings for Gremio despite just being 19, and the Brazilian media are convinced that Emery has a very promising player on his hands.
South American reporter Eduardo Picao told Villa News that signing Alysson was an ‘excellent piece of business’, and the raw forward possesses standout attributes.
“Aston Villa have completed the signing of Alysson from Gremio, and I believe it’s an excellent piece of business for Villa,” said Picao.
“Alysson is a very promising player. He has all the characteristics that fit the Premier League: he’s quick, strong in transition, good on the dribble, and has all the tools to become a top player.
“His main weakness is decision-making, but that’s something that can be improved with coaching and experience.
“He has no off-field issues, works hard, and Villa are getting him for a very good price due to Grêmio’s current financial needs.
“Overall, I see this as a smart signing with high upside.“
Supporters await Alysson’s first step on to the Villa turf, but early signs are pretty encouraging.
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