Unai Emery issues Injury update on Key Midfielder ahead of Ajax and Tottenham clash

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 24: Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz (centre) celebrates scoring his side's second goal with team mates Jacob Ramsey (left) and Youri Tielemans during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest at Villa Park on February 24, 2024 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. (Photo by Andrew Kearns - CameraSport via Getty Images)

On Thursday night, Aston Villa will travel to Amsterdam to play Ajax in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League match.

A crucial week for Unai Emery’s team begins with the European match on Sunday, as Tottenham Hotspur will visit Villa Park.
Diego Carlos and Jhon Duran’s return to training has helped Aston Villa. The two follow Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa out of the treatment area.
With Konsa, Torres, and Carlos back, the Spaniard might rearrange his backline. With his constant presence since the beginning of the year, Clement Lenglet might benefit from a nap before a hectic schedule.

One concern is midfielder Jacob Ramsey.
Additionally, Emery stated during his most recent news conference that the “very important” midfielder would miss the trip to Amsterdam.

Jacob Ramsey's absence will hurt Aston Villa – he is key to Unai Emery's plan - The Athletic

Ramsey out Vs Ajax

Positive news regarding Jacob Ramsey for Aston Villa was posted by Matt Maher of The Express and Star on his personal X account. He is not ruled out of the game against Tottenham on Sunday, but he will miss tomorrow’s play against Ajax. It’s not a serious injury, according to Unai Emery.
Regarding the midfielder’s availability for tomorrow, Emery continued, “He is not available.” Although he doesn’t have a serious injury, we must monitor his recovery daily in order for him to be available for Sunday’s play.
“The good news is that it’s not a major injury like he had previously.”

 

Ajax is also struggling with several injuries. After spending time on the sidelines with a medical issue, former Tottenham winger Steven Bergwijn is anticipated to miss out. Defender Josip Sutalo is also out of Thursday’s clash, and Anton Gaaei and Steven Berghuis are both doubts.

Will Emery change the starting lineup for Aston Villa?

As mentioned earlier, it wouldn’t be shocking to see one or two starters sit out the first leg.

The attraction of European knockout football lies in the fact that a rematch may always make up for any losses.

Maintaining the squad’s fitness will be essential given the important encounter against Tottenham three days later and Ange Postecoglou’s team’s free week prior.

The match this weekend seems like a pivotal point in the campaign. With a game remaining, Spurs can catch up to Villa by just two points with an away victory.