Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has offered crucial fitness updates on midfielder Joao Gomes and back-up goalkeeper Marco Bizot as the squad turns its immediate attention toward a high-stakes Premier League lunchtime showdown against Tottenham Hotspur.
Fresh off the back of a convincing 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over Coventry City that safely booked Villa’s spot in the fourth round, Unai Emery’s side is bracing for a demanding trip to north London for their final fixture before the upcoming international break. However, navigating that tough fixture will require careful squad management as the manager deals with lingering fitness concerns and past disciplinary setbacks.
Joao Gomes Nears Potential Return to Action
Brazilian midfielder Joao Gomes has endured a frustrating start to the campaign. Following a red card issued during Aston Villa’s Premier League opening match away at Brighton, a subsequent suspension combined with a troublesome calf injury has severely limited his availability, restricting him to just a single appearance since August.
After completing 90 minutes against Club Brugge, Gomes was sidelined for the midweek cup win at the CBS Arena. However, speaking in his post-match press conference, Emery delivered an encouraging, albeit cautious, update regarding the midfielder’s prospects for the weekend.
“Joao is needing some days to come back,” Emery explained. “We are going to test him tomorrow and Friday. In case it goes well, he could be available for Saturday. It is uncertain for now.”
If Gomes passes his late fitness assessments during the final training sessions, his return would provide a massive midfield boost for Villa as they look to combat Tottenham’s dynamic engine room.
Marco Bizot Injury Scare and Wider Squad News
The victory over Coventry was not entirely without cost, as back-up goalkeeper Marco Bizot was forced off at half-time. The shot-stopper was replaced by first-choice keeper Zion Suzuki for the second half, sparking brief concerns among supporters.
Addressing the substitution after the whistle, Emery moved to calm fears regarding the extent of the issue. “Bizot felt pain in his back. We decided to change him, but hopefully it is not a big injury,” the manager stated.
Villa’s squad depth will continue to be tested as they head into Saturday’s fixture. Alongside the ongoing evaluation of Gomes and Bizot, the club has had to manage other selection hurdles, with Matty Cash missing out on the Coventry match as a precaution, while long-standing absentees Leon Goretzka, Pau Torres, and Ian Maatsen remain sidelined.
As Unai Emery prepares his tactical plan to take down Spurs on Saturday lunchtime, every available player will need to step up to keep Villa’s momentum rolling strong into the international break.
