Unai Emery, the manager of Aston Villa, has provided the latest updates regarding the team ahead of their upcoming Champions League match against Club Brugge on Wednesday. Villa heads to Belgium with an impressive record so far in the competition, having won all three of their group-stage matches and, crucially, not conceding a single goal in Europe. The team is aiming to continue their perfect start and extend their winning streak, keeping their focus firmly on securing direct qualification for the knockout stages.
The upcoming fixture is crucial, as Villa looks to bounce back from a difficult week in domestic competitions. Emery and his players are determined to put the recent setbacks behind them and return to winning ways, which would not only boost confidence but also set them up well for the challenging trip to Anfield to face Liverpool this weekend.
During his pre-match press conference, Emery addressed the current injury situation within the squad. He confirmed that midfielder Ross Barkley will be out of action until after the international break, while full-back Matty Cash will also miss the trip to Brugge due to a minor injury.
“Neither Matty Cash nor Ross Barkley are with us for this match, as they are both dealing with small injuries,” Emery explained to the press, as reported by BirminghamLive. While Barkley has had a limited role in Villa’s Champions League campaign so far due to the strength and competition in midfield, Cash’s absence is more of a concern. The right-back has been a key figure in the team, and his injury may require Emery to make tactical adjustments to the defense.
One of Emery’s preferred options in such situations is to shift central defender Ezri Konsa to right-back, allowing the manager to bring in Diego Carlos to partner Pau Torres in central defense. This setup has worked in the past when Cash has been unavailable, so it is possible that Emery may go with this formation again, depending on how he assesses the situation in the lead-up to the match.
Another option Emery could consider is young Serbian international Kosta Nedeljkovic, who has shown great promise whenever called upon this season. The 18-year-old has made a positive impact in his appearances so far and could offer a natural solution at right-back, maintaining the team’s defensive balance. Nedeljkovic will likely be eager for another opportunity to impress, and this match could serve as an important chance for him to demonstrate his potential and earn a more prominent role in the starting lineup.
Additionally, another player who could be considered for the right-back position is Lamare Bogarde, who has also been deployed in that role earlier in the season. The young Dutch defender, like Nedeljkovic, has had limited opportunities so far, but his versatility could make him a viable alternative for Emery as he looks to make the best of Cash’s absence.
With the team aiming to maintain their strong form in Europe, Emery’s selection will be crucial in ensuring that Villa can continue their winning streak. The clash with Club Brugge offers the perfect chance to regroup and get back to winning ways, while also setting the stage for a tough battle against Liverpool in the Premier League this weekend.