Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
An update on the fitness of Emi Martinez ahead of Aston Villa vs Brentford in the Premier League.
Villa goalkeeper Martinez has suffered a fractured finger and is a major doubt to take on Brentford this Wednesday, according to a new report from Argentina.
Martinez was substituted at half time during Villa’s demoralising 3-0 defeat away at Chelsea on Sunday afternoon after feeling discomfort in his wrist. It was a disappointing day all round for the goalkeeper as he made two errors before being replaced, giving away an indirect free-kick and nearly gifting Nicolas Jackson a goal with a wayward pass.
Argentine journalist Gaston Edul reports Martinez has a small fracture in one of his fingers. “There is a bone injury, it could stop him in the short term. He asked for the change because of pain in his wrist,” said Edul.
Emi Martinez is a major doubt to face Brentford after reportedly suffering a finger fracture.Emi Martinez is a major doubt to face Brentford after reportedly suffering a finger fracture.
Emi Martinez is a major doubt to face Brentford after reportedly suffering a finger fracture. | Getty Images
Robin Olsen, the man to replace Martinez against Chelsea, is likely to start against Brentford this midweek. Joe Gauci is the other backup goalkeeper available but the Australian hasn’t been called upon since Olsen returned to full fitness a few weeks ago.
As per football injury analyst Physio Scout, finger fractures typically take two-to-four weeks to heal. It’s stated goalkeepers, given the nature of their role, typically take a little longer to complete their recoveries otherwise the injury can be aggravated.
If Martinez is to miss the entire four weeks, it could leave Villa without their first-choice shot-stopper for seven matches. Unai Emery’s men take on Brentford, Southampton, RB Leipzig, Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion, all before the end of December.
Continue Reading