Unai Emery confirms Aston Villa injury boost ahead of Man Utd clash

Unai Emery will have left-back Lucas Digne available again for Sunday's Premier League clash against Manchester United - while Pau Torres is also fit to feature after being on the bench in midweek.

Digne last played for Villa during their defeat against United at Old Trafford, a game in which Erik ten Hag's side came from 2-0 down to win 3-2. The 30-year-old resumed light training last month and now looks ready to be involved for the first time in over six weeks.

It's been eight weeks since central defender Torres started a game for Villa, having suffered an ankle injury which has since been aggravated twice. The Spaniard was an unused substitute for Wednesday's FA Cup defeat against Chelsea but returns at the right time, with Ezri Konsa now set for a spell on the sidelines.

“The players with injuries they had are recovering well, like Lucas [Digne] and Pau Torres,” Emery told reporters on Friday. “Still out is [Ezri] Konsa and Jhon Duran. I think all the other players will be available for Sunday.”

That defeat against Chelsea was a second straight loss at Villa Park, where previously Emery's side had been unbeaten at home all season. Injuries and the chaotic fixture schedule look to be catching up with the Midlands club, following an excellent first-half of the campaign.

And on Sunday they welcome a United side currently enjoying one of their best periods of the season, with three consecutive wins across all competitions. Ten Hag is yet to string together a fourth straight victory this term and Emery is hoping to halt that run, insisting it will take all his side's focus and discipline to do so.

"I am confident, I believe in our way," Emery added. "I know from minute one to minute 90 we have to be very focused and very respectful, playing an intelligent match. We have to try to be together, we are going to try to connect with them [the supporters]."

United will be without Lisandro Martinez, who suffered ligament damage to his knee during last week's 3-0 win against West Ham. Ten Hag also confirmed in his pre-game press conference that Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount remain sidelined.