Joao Gomes to be Assessed by Villa
Joao Gomes missed the last three Premier League games through suspension, and now Aston Villa are sweating on his fitness ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Tottenham, with Unai Emery confirming the midfielder has a calf issue and will be assessed over the next couple of days before a decision is made on his availability.
“Joao Gomes needs some days to come back,” said Emery, after Villa’s 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Coventry City. “We will test him tomorrow and Friday, and if it’s going well, he might be available for Saturday. It is uncertain for now.”
The Brazilian has been one of Villa’s most influential midfielders in pre-season and showed his qualities in the recent Champions League win in Bruges. His availability for a match against a Tottenham side Villa will be targeting for three points would represent a significant boost.
Other Villa Injury Concerns
Gomes was not the only concern to emerge from Villa’s latest outing, with Marco Bizot forced off at half-time due to injury.
“Marco felt pain in his back,” explained Emery. “We decided to change him and hopefully it’s not a big injury.”
Matty Cash was due to play a part against Coventry City, but reported a problem during the warm-up. Cash has been sidelined since coming off injured late-on in Villa’s Premier League trip to Hull City.
Emery also repeated what he said last week about new signing Leon Goretzka’s situation.
“Goretzka is expecting to come back after the international break,” he confirmed.
In terms of the upcoming trip to Spurs, Gomes will certainly be Villa’s main midfield concern though.
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