Aston Villa face ‘huge’ injury blow ahead of Man Utd clash

Aston Villa could be without Ezri Konsa for a ‘significant period’, according to a report in the Telegraph.

The outlet claim the defender will definitely be ruled out for this weekend’s clash against Manchester United and is ‘still being assessed’ after he was replaced in Saturday's win over Sheffield United. Konsa collided with the post in the second half, sustaining a knee injury in the process.

The ex-Brentford man's absence would be a huge blow for Villa and the 26-year-old has started every Premier League game this season, and also played every league match last term. Konsa’s injury is compounded by Pau Torres’ lack of availability and the Spaniard hasn’t started any of Villa’s last six league games due to injury.

Lucas Digne is also missing for Villa, while Tyrone Mings has been unavailable for almost the entirety of the season with a knee injury. With the quartet all expected to miss out, Emery will most likely select a back four of Matty Cash, Diego Carlos, Clement Lenglet and Alex Moreno at Villa Park on Sunday.

Nicolo Zaniolo is also a doubt for Sunday’s game, while Emiliano Buendia and Jhon Duran will definitely miss out. As for United, they’re set to be without Lisandro Martinez and Anthony, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount are closing in on returns.

United warmed up for the game with a 3-0 win over West Ham United last weekend, with Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho among the goals. Villa registered an even more comfortable victory, winning 5-0 at Bramall Lane on Saturday.

Emery’s side let a two-goal lead slip in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford on Boxing Day, when once again Garnacho netted a brace and Hojlund was on the scoresheet. The Red Devils are currently eight points behind fourth-place Aston Villa, with the former European Cup winners aiming to qualify for the modern version of the tournament for the first time in their history.