Aston Villa’s preparations for their trip to Anfield have hit a snag, as Unai Emery confirmed that three key players will miss the clash against Liverpool.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Villa, who are in red-hot form but face a wounded Reds side desperate to bounce back after a tough few weeks.
Liverpool, struggling with four straight Premier League defeats, are under pressure to respond.
Arne Slot’s men need a result to spark life back into their campaign, especially with Real Madrid and Manchester City looming next. But Villa’s injury woes might just tilt things in the Reds’ favor ahead of this must-win encounter.
Emery confirms three absences for Liverpool trip
In his pre-match press conference, Unai Emery revealed that playmaker Emiliano Buendía will not feature at Anfield after sustaining a knock in last week’s win over Manchester City.
“He is not available for tomorrow, but the injury he has is going well,” said Emery. “I think with a few days more, he can be fit and available for the next matches, hopefully.”
The Argentine’s absence is a setback for Villa’s attacking rhythm, especially given his recent form. However, Emery’s concerns don’t end there.
Youri Tielemans and Andres Garcia also remain sidelined, leaving the Villa boss short on options in midfield.
Tielemans is reportedly nursing a calf injury, while Garcia’s issue remains unspecified. That means Villa will once again turn to their energetic midfield pairing of Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana to anchor play against Liverpool’s pressing engine room.
Aston Villa possible starting lineup: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Onana, Kamara; Malen, Rogers, McGinn; Watkins
Liverpool looking to pounce on weakened Villa
Villa have been flying high with four straight league wins, but the absence of three first-team players could make Anfield a different kind of test.
Buendía’s creativity, Tielemans’ control, and Garcia’s defensive depth will all be missed — something Liverpool will surely look to exploit.
Still, Emery’s team spirit has been one of their biggest weapons this season. The Spanish boss has turned setbacks into statements before, and the trip to Merseyside will test that resilience once again.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will see this as a golden chance to stop the bleeding. If they can rediscover their bite, Anfield might just roar again.