Aston Villa to make last-minute call on key man's fitness
Villa boss Unai Emery is preparing to make a last-minute call on Emi Martinez’s fitness for Saturday’s clash with Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Martinez missed Wednesday’s 4-3 win at Brighton after suffering a back spasm in the warm-up.
But he could yet face the Gunners as Villa target a win which would move them to within three points of the summit.
Martinez said: “We will train this afternoon. He didn’t train yesterday, but it is very important for him how the passing hours are to feel better.
“Until the last moment I don’t know if he will be available or not tomorrow.”
Arsenal are unbeaten since losing 1-0 to Liverpool in late August but Villa are the division’s form team, having won eight of their last nine matches.
“We are really happy how we are progressing, how we are getting points, how we are now with a huge opportunity to play tomorrow,” said Emery.
“They are the best team and I think the favourite to win the Premier League because they are competing so well. Tomorrow is a huge test collectively and individually.
“As a coach as well I am delighted to play against Arsenal with the level they have and the level we achieved in the last month.”
