Ezri Konsa and Emiliano Martinez Injuries
By Oscar Webster
In his press conference ahead of Villa’s midweek clash with Burnley, Steven Gerrard confirmed the full extent of Ezri Konsa’s injury, after the centre-back had limped off with a knee injury against Crystal Palace at the weekend.
It was bad news.
“Konsa’s had a scan and it’s confirmed he’s got a knee injury. He’ll be missing for up to 16 weeks,” confirmed, Gerrard.
The gaffer also mentioned how concerned himself and the coaching staff were when Konsa came off, stating he feared an even longer time out than what has been prescribed.
“When someone leaves the pitch and you can see the challenge, you’re fearing that it could be an ACL, a six to nine-month injury but thankfully it wasn’t.”
“If you are going to sustain an injury as a player, it’s not the worst time in the world, even though there’s never a good time. He won’t miss much football.”
It’s undoubtedly a blow for Villa, with Konsa now side-lined until the early stages of next season.
However, this setback provides a new opportunity for January signing Calum Chambers to impress the Villa fans as he looks likely to fill in, for the next two games.
Chambers has been a competent additional to the back four since his arrival, but perhaps Konsa’s injury will further increase the temptation to upgrade the centre-back position, after an uncertain season for Villa’s backline.
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Martinez Concern
A potential unexpected worry for Burnley is Villa’s shot stopper Emiliano Martinez, who has sustained a knock in training this week.
“Emi Martinez has a small injury issue but we are hoping that he can pull through and be available for us,” said Gerrard.
Should the Argentinian miss out on the Burnley match, he’ll make way for the debut of Roma loanee Robin Olsen, who is yet to feature in Aston Villa colours.
Is Gerrard simply smoothing the way for some rotation in the goalkeeper position ahead of Villa’s two games in four days?
Double Date Value
First up, before the season closer at the Etihad against Manchester City, is the visit of Burnley to Villa Park.
Burnley remain in serious danger of relegation after they fell back into the bottom three with two games remaining. Gerrard’s men will look to kick-on following a lukewarm showing last time out in a game in which Villa struggled to create chances and produce clear cut shots on goal.
A performance reminiscent of the reverse fixture, that was only twelve days ago, may be required against a side that is undoubtedly desperate for points.
With final league table position prize money at stake, three points could be potentially worth a million pounds per point, or even more, if results go Villa’s way this week.
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