Aston Villa manager Unai Emery faces a nerve-wracking waiting game ahead of Saturday’s high-octane Premier League trip to Newcastle United, following fresh injury doubts over midweek two-goal hero Ross Barkley and rising star George Hemmings.
The Villans travel to Tyneside bursting with confidence after a sensational 6-0 Champions League masterclass against Fenerbahçe, where Barkley put on a midfield clinic with two goals before limping off late in the second half.
However, Emery confirmed during his pre-match press conference that late fitness tests will determine whether Barkley or Hemmings can play any part in Saturday’s 5:30 pm clash at St James’ Park.
Emery Confirms Late Fitness Tests: “He Had Some Pain”
Barkley stepped into Villa’s starting lineup against Fenerbahçe alongside Boubacar Kamara, replacing Joao Gomes, and delivered a sublime 85-minute performance before picking up a painful knock.
Addressing the media on Friday afternoon, Emery revealed the double injury sweat facing his squad:
“Ross we will see this afternoon. He played 85 minutes and had some pain. We will check this afternoon. And George is close to joining us. Maybe he joins this afternoon but we will decide for tomorrow.”
Young midfielder George Hemmings has been absent for Villa’s last two matches against Brentford and Fenerbahçe due to a knee issue, though his impending return provides a welcome boost to Emery’s depth.
Meanwhile, left-back options Ian Maatsen and Matteo Ruggeri remain ruled out, meaning summer signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka will continue operating in a makeshift left-back role on Tyneside.
History-Making Away Dominance in Villa’s Sights
Should Villa claim all three points against Matthias Jaissle’s Magpies, Emery’s men will achieve a feat not seen in 70 years.
Having earned a dominant 2-0 victory at St James’ Park back in January, Villa are aiming to secure consecutive away league victories over Newcastle for the first time since 1958.
Newcastle enter the fixture unbeaten at home in all competitions this term—scoring at least two goals in every home match—but are reeling from a humiliating 4-1 thrashing at the hands of newly-promoted Coventry City last time out.
With Newcastle winless in their last three Premier League encounters against Villa, Emery’s road warriors have a prime opportunity to pile further misery on the Magpies and cement their status as title contenders.
