Aston Villa manager Unai Emery addressed the media ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Everton at Villa Park, where kickoff is scheduled for 16:30 GMT.
Emery confirmed that Boubacar Kamara will be sidelined due to a knee injury, with updates expected in the coming days. In terms of other player fitness, he noted that Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley are ruled out for the match, while Emiliano Martinez is making progress and will be evaluated on Saturday. January signing Alysson, however, is dealing with a minor pain and will also miss the fixture.
When discussing the upcoming January transfer window, Emery chose to focus on the immediate challenge of Everton. He acknowledged its significance but emphasized that the priority remains the current squad. Following the departure of Donyell Malen, the club is actively exploring potential deals, but Emery is primarily focused on the match at hand.
Reflecting on Malen’s exit, Emery stated that while it was a difficult decision, it ultimately made sense for all parties involved. He emphasized the player’s lack of consistent starting opportunities and noted that both the player and the club agreed that a transfer could benefit everyone.
Aston Villa has the opportunity to set a club record with a 12th consecutive home victory against Everton. Emery highlighted the importance of taking one game at a time, underscoring the need for consistency as they compete for higher positions in the Premier League. He also expressed the strong bond he has developed with supporters since joining the club three years ago and emphasized the crucial role that Villa Park plays in their success.
This encounter promises to be significant not only for the players but also for the supporters who have rallied behind the team, building an atmosphere described by Emery as “something special.” With their sights set on earning three points, Villa aims to continue their positive momentum this season.