The international break always carries a risk, and Aston Villa felt that keenly as Ezri Konsa was unexpectedly forced to leave the England camp. His absence adds another layer of complexity to an already demanding schedule for manager Unai Emery.
Emery confirmed the players returning from national team duty were integrating back into training. He emphasized the standard practice of granting two days of recovery after their international appearances, a crucial step in preventing further injuries.
A significant blow came with the confirmation that Tyrone Mings will miss Sunday’s match. However, the news wasn’t entirely grim; Emery anticipates almost a full squad available for selection after the final training session.
The availability of Matty Cash, who picked up an injury while representing Poland in a hard-fought draw against the Netherlands, remains a concern. Alongside Cash, Konsa, Amadou Onana, and Lamare Bogarde are all undergoing assessment.
Onana’s situation is particularly delicate, with Emery stating a final decision on his participation will be made after tomorrow’s training. The manager needs to carefully weigh the risk of playing a player who isn’t fully fit.
Villa are currently enjoying a strong run of form, occupying sixth place in the Premier League. Five wins in their last six games demonstrate a clear upward trajectory, with their only recent setback coming against a formidable Liverpool side.
The contrast in fortunes is stark when looking at Leeds United. They’ve struggled for consistency, losing four of their last five Premier League matches and currently find themselves in 16th position, battling to avoid relegation.
Sunday’s match presents a clear opportunity for Villa to solidify their position in the league. A win against a struggling Leeds would be a powerful statement of intent and further fuel their ambitions for a European place.
