Unai Emery’s squad selection for Aston Villa is beginning to resemble a puzzle with missing pieces. Just when the Villa boss thought he had successfully navigated the international break, three more absences leave him pondering his options ahead of the trip to Elland Road.
Key Defensive Blow: Ezri Konsa
First up, defender Ezri Konsa has withdrawn from England’s squad and did not participate in the Three Lions’ comfortable victory over Albania. Konsa has been a stalwart at center-back this season and has even filled in at right-back when needed. His absence creates a significant void in Villa’s defensive lineup.
Crucial Midfield Impact: Amadou Onana
In midfield, Belgium’s Amadou Onana will miss the match against Liechtenstein. His strength and tenacity in the engine room have become vital to Emery’s press-heavy playing style. Losing Onana’s physical presence could impede Villa’s ability to control the midfield against a Leeds side known for its high intensity.
Recent Form and Current Position
Before the international break, Villa delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over Bournemouth, propelling them to sixth place in the Premier League table, just eight points behind league leaders Arsenal. This impressive performance hinted at momentum firmly on Villa’s side, but the loss of three key players could disrupt that progress at a critical juncture.
Injury Woes: Matty Cash
On the right flank, Matty Cash was not even risked during Poland’s narrow 3-2 win over Malta. The Polish manager indicated that Cash felt discomfort in training. With fellow right-back Andrés García also sidelined, it made sense to exercise caution. Given that Cash has started every top-flight game this season and recently signed a new contract, Emery is likely supportive of this precautionary measure.
Limited Options and Tough Decisions
With Cash unavailable and García on the treatment table, Emery’s options are severely limited. While Konsa could potentially serve as an emergency right-back, his own fitness is in question. Young prospects at Bodymoor Heath may be put on standby, but entering the high-pressure environment of Elland Road is a daunting task for inexperienced players.
Emery now faces a tough decision: should he rearrange his defensive line to address these gaps, or should he gamble on makeshift partnerships and hope for the best? This situation serves as a stark reminder that squad depth is not merely a beneficial luxury, but often the deciding factor between weathering a storm and capsizing.
Conclusion
Aston Villa’s reserves will need to step up quickly, perhaps feeling more like understudies auditioning for an unexpected drama. Here’s hoping they can rise to the occasion when faced with the intensity of Leeds United.