Aston Villa have now learned how long Emi Martinez could be out after the Argentine suffered an injury in the defeat to Chelsea.
Aston Villa were beaten 2-0 by Chelsea on Sunday as Unai Emery’s men were outfought, outran and ultimately outclassed at Stamford Bridge.
Emery would have been concerned by some of his players, most notably Ollie Watkins, who was wasteful in front of goal.
Perhaps more alarmingly, though, the Spaniard was forced into substituting goalkeeper Emi Martinez for Robin Olsen at half-time as the Argentine was struggling in the first period.
It was confirmed after the game that Martinez had injured his hand, with an expert now sharing insight into how long he could be sidelined.
Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa defends against Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Aston Villa FC a...
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Emi Martinez set for 2-4 weeks on the sidelines
According to Physio Scout on X, formerly Twitter, the World Cup-winning goalkeeper has suffered a ‘small’ finger fracture, and the time he’s out depends on the location of the fracture.
Emi Martinez has suffered a 'small' finger fracture. Time dependent on the location of the fracture. Assumed he's has surgery.
Recovery Time: 2-4 weeks
Typically 2-4 week recovery, but hard to say due to the broadness in regards to the location of the fracture.
Recovery could… https://t.co/qYZdhhP8LK
— Physio Scout | Football Injury Analysis (@physioscout) December 2, 2024
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The injury expert claims that Martinez is looking at two to four weeks of recovery, although they do concede that it’s hard to determine how long he could be out.
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For Villa, losing the 32-year-old for the next couple of weeks at least could serve as a huge blow in their attempt to get back to winning ways.
Martinez is a world-class goalkeeper, and this season, he’s saved his side some invaluable points, particularly in the Champions League.
Lucy Ward dubbed Martinez ‘unbelievable’ after his stunning save against Juventus, reaffirming his position as the world’s best.
Now, it appears Swedish shot-stopper Olsen will need to step up for Villa, starting with the home clash against Brentford.
What games could Martinez miss for Aston Villa?
It’s now eight games winless in all competitions for Emery’s men, and they’ll have to somehow turn their form around without the influential Martinez.
As it stands, the Argentine could miss up to six matches – if he’s out for the next four weeks – including the Champions League showdown against RB Leipzig and the visit of Manchester City.
Martinez posted an update on Instagram, sharing an image of his daughter kissing his hand, as the quality goalkeeper begins his recovery.
Indeed, Villa will need to get used to not having their star shot-stopper available during the hectic winter schedule, and this hands Olsen a chance to prove his worth.
Emery’s side have struggled defensively as it is, conceding 22 goals in 13 Premier League matches, and an enforced change could perhaps inspire a change of luck.
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