Unai Emery provides injury update ahead of Aston Villa’s clash with Liverpool

Aston Villa have provided several fitness updates ahead of their Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield this weekend.

In his pre-match press conference (via liverpoolfc.com), Unai Emery confirmed that Emiliano Buendia will miss the trip after sustaining an injury in Villa’s 1–0 win over Manchester City. “He’s not available for tomorrow, but the injury is progressing well,” Emery said. “With a few more days, he should be ready for the next matches, hopefully.”

Buendia sidelined as Villa await Tielemans and Andres Garcia returns

Emery also revealed that Youri Tielemans and Andres Garcia remain out but are making good progress.
“Still the same players unavailable. Youri Tielemans is doing well and should rejoin training next week,” he explained. “Andres is also improving but still needs a few more weeks.”

With Buendia, Tielemans, and Garcia missing, Villa face a shortage of midfield options ahead of a tough encounter against the reigning champions. Tielemans’ control in possession and Buendia’s creativity will be missed, putting added pressure on players like Morgan Rogers and Boubacar Kamara to deliver on Saturday night.

Liverpool injuries and Elliott’s ineligibility

Villa will also be without Harvey Elliott, who cannot play against his parent club under the terms of his loan deal. The 22-year-old has impressed off the pitch since joining from Liverpool but has struggled for consistent minutes in the Midlands.

On the Liverpool side, Ryan Gravenberch could make a return after resuming full training, though Curtis Jones and Alexander Isak are still sidelined. Arne Slot expressed cautious optimism about Gravenberch’s recovery during his own press conference earlier in the day.

Villa head into the match buoyed by their 1–0 victory over Manchester City, while Liverpool will be looking to bounce back after their 3–2 defeat to Brentford — setting up what promises to be a lively showdown under the Anfield lights.