Emi Martinez playing for Aston Villa looking towards a circle inset of Aston Villa manager Unai Emery stands in the shadows looking concerned
Credit: Imago
Max Wilkins
Wed 15 April 2026 14:18, UK
Emi Martinez could miss out as Aston Villa prepare to face Bologna on Thursday.
The Villans are preparing to welcome the Italians to Villa Park, a week after securing a 3-1 win away at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.
Unai Emery’s side now hold a two-goal advantage going into the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final.
With a place in the last four of the continental tournament on the line, the claret and blue outfit will need their best players available and at their best.
Villa could be without Martinez against Bologna as the latest team news has now been confirmed by the Spanish head coach at Bodymoor Heath.
🤕 VILLA INJURY UPDATE 🤕
Latest team news, fitness reports from Bodymoor Heath, and expected return dates.
Unai Emery shares team news for Bologna clash
The Villans weren’t at their best against Nottingham Forest last time out as they could only manage a point.
MORE VILLA STORIES
They had their chances, but just couldn’t make them count as a draw played out as a potentially fair result at the City Ground.
Stat Nottingham Forest Aston Villa
Possession (%) 41 59
Expected goals 1.15 1.02
Shots 15 12
Big chances 1 3
Corners 7 3
Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa stats
Things were always going to be made more difficult without key players like Jadon Sancho and Emi Martinez due to injury.
The latter pulled out at the last before the clash with Forest as Marco Bizot was thrown in at the deep end in the East Midlands.
Speaking in his Bologna pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Emery confirmed the status of the pair.
He said: “Martinez is training with us. Normally, he will be available tomorrow, and tomorrow we will decide.
“We have Marco Bizot, who is a fantastic, fantastic goalkeeper and guy. He is ready until the last minute to play. When something happens at the last moment, like Sunday, wow, how Marco responded.”
“He’s (Sancho) coming back, and of course he’s a fantastic player,” Emery continued. “He needs to be consistent, and I think he is being demanding. He adapted in our structure, getting better. It’s a pity he was injured as he finished before the international break, fantastic.”
Bizot didn’t totally cover himself in glory against Forest, so it will be interesting to see if he will feature in the Europa League on Thursday.
Emi Martinez could have telling impact vs Bologna
It has to be said that the 33-year-old was a miss at the City Ground despite the frustration surrounding his late exit from the starting XI.
He thrived against Bologna in the first leg and could be massive in helping Villa into the semi-final with a win in B6.
Martinez made three saves and prevented 0.19 expected goals before being left frustrated to concede from a Jonathan Rowe stunner.
The Argentine also completed 31 passes and six long balls, while also chipping in with one punch and two high claims.
Having him back will be a boost at Villa Park, so Emery’s update may be the news that many fans have been wanting to hear.
Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Villa News Insider Access
Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of B6.