Unai Emery told Calum Chambers to leave Aston Villa last month, but considering the problems that Diego Carlos and Ezri Konsa have been dealing with lately, the defender may be called in from the cold.
With both center backs out of the picture, Emery must decide whether to start Pau Torres and Clement Lenglet together or turn to Chambers, who hasn’t played in the Premier League this year. Since taking over for Steven Gerrard in November 2022, the 29-year-old has only started one league match under Emery, that being against Man City the previous season.
“It’s difficult because we were working, getting Diego Carlos and Ezri Konsa at right centre back slash full-back,” Emery said. “When we were practising in the training session, we were practising playing matches and we were progressively getting better and getting confidence doing that.
HUGE NEWS: Fabrizio Romano shares Tyrone Mings’ injury update
“We lost Konsa. Now we have lost Diego Carlos and when we have players in the squad, and we’re working with them every day, they have to be ready when we are getting some circumstances like now and when I spoke with Calum Chambers, I told him ‘you have to leave because it is difficult to play.’
“He decided to stay here. He’s in the squad. If we need his help, he has to be ready and he is. Tomorrow he is an option. To get the performances like we had before with other players.
“We have three centre-backs with Chambers, Lenglet and Pau. My plan always is to try to create a strong squad not only starting 11, not only 14 players – a strong squad, a strong mentality to create high demands inside the club.”
Two weeks ago, Konsa had a sprained knee during the 5-0 victory over Sheffield United, and earlier this week, Carlos sustained a hamstring injury during practice. Despite having a diminished team, Villa will take on Fulham on Saturday in an attempt to win two straight away league games for the first time this season.
READ MORE ASTON VILLA NEWS HERE
Emery remarked in reference to his team’s injuries
“I can never remember a time like this,” Emery remarked in reference to his team’s injuries. It’s not a justification. I always realize that injuries occur, but this is the worst case scenario. Since we are only human, it goes without saying that we will assist the players, especially if they have ACL injuries.
“It’s the worst moment for them and their families. Every day it’s good for us to meet Tyrone, Emiliano and now Kamara. They are not available but the message is always that they will come back stronger than before.
“I’ve never had this situation before as a coach. I know Real Madrid have had the same situation (with David Alaba, Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois) with ACL injuries.
“I had this injury when I was 20 and it was difficult for my career, so I know how it is. There are risks involved in football.”