Unai Emery could be without his number one goalkeeper.placeholder image
Unai Emery could be without his number one goalkeeper. | Getty Images
Mikel Arteta is managing his own Arsenal injury worries but so too is Unai Emery at Aston Villa.
Aston Villa could be without a key first team player for the visit of Arsenal at Saturday lunchtime with both Premier League clubs having to navigate injury concerns.
Mikel Arteta saw both Declan Rice and Cristhian Mosquera limp off in the 2-0 win over Brentford, giving the Spaniard a headache ahead of the weekend. Any absence for Mosquera would be a particular problem with Gabriel and William Saliba currently sidelined.
Arteta was unable to provide a concrete update after full-time but the Gunners boss will surely not risk the players if nursing a niggle ahead of a busy festive fixture period. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery may be in a similar position.
Aston Villa managing injury blow ahead of Arsenal
Villans shot-stopper Emi Martinez did not feature against Brighton on Wednesday night after experienced discomfort during the warm up. The goalkeeper withdrew last minute and was absent from the bench with Marco Bizot filling in.
Martinez, who won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022, has only missed two league matches this season. The first was due to a suspension on the opening day against Newcastle United and the second against Crystal Palace amid speculation over a move to Manchester United.
Speaking after his side beat Brighton 4-3, Emery said: “He [Martinez] was feeling pain in his back. He couldn’t even do a warm-up normally. We have Marco, who is a fantastic guy and professional.”
Arsenal strike force could face ‘fantastic’ Marco Bizot
It remains to be seen how serious that problem is for Martinez, who came through the Arsenal academy and spent eight years in the senior side. During that period, the Argentine was loaned to Sheffield Wednesday, Wolves and Reading, among others.
If Martinez is sidelined, then Villa will turn to Bizot once again. The 34-year-old has played in the three matches when Martinez has been absent in the league this term, as well as outings in the Carabao Cup and Europa League.
Bizot signed for Aston Villa from Brest in June on an undisclosed fee. Speaking about the goalkeeper last night, Emery said: "He accepts his role. He signed here to be the sub of Emi Martinez. He is ready when he is available and awaits his moment. Here [Brighton] it is very difficult to defend corners. How he saved the last action was fantastic. He is so mature.”
In other news, Cristhian Mosquera Injury: What Mikel Arteta said about Arsenal player after Brentford sub.
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