Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has provided an injury update ahead of his team’s FA Cup fifth-round match against Cardiff City, revealing that several key players, including Emi Martinez, Tyrone Mings, and Matty Cash, are doubts for the fixture. However, there is hope that Donyell Malen could recover in time after illness.
Martinez was substituted at halftime during Villa’s recent defeat to Crystal Palace after experiencing discomfort. The Argentine goalkeeper had already felt some pain during training on Monday at Bodymoor Heath but managed to start the match after completing the pre-game warm-up without issue.
Speaking ahead of Friday night’s game, Emery said:
“We will train this afternoon and assess the players on the pitch. We want to ensure they are available without risk or pain.”
The Villa boss also confirmed that Pau Torres remains sidelined, while Cash is nearing a return but remains uncertain. Mings and Martinez are also questionable, while Ross Barkley will not be available for selection. Meanwhile, Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara are close to making their comebacks.
Emery added:
“Malen is unwell, but hopefully he can recover in time for the match.”
Villa’s History Against Cardiff & Upcoming Fixtures
Villa and Cardiff have faced each other three times in FA Cup history, with the Bluebirds advancing on two occasions and Villa progressing once.
In all competitions, Villa boasts an impressive home record against Cardiff, remaining unbeaten in their last 15 meetings at Villa Park and winning the last seven consecutive matches. The Bluebirds’ last victory at Villa Park dates back to December 1954.
Cardiff arrives at this fixture following a crucial Championship victory over Hull City, as they fight to maintain their league status. However, their away form has been poor, with no wins in their last five games, including a heavy 7-0 defeat to Leeds United earlier this month.
After Friday’s FA Cup clash, Villa will shift focus to their Champions League round of 16 tie against Club Brugge on Tuesday (5:45 pm). Emery’s men will then face Brentford next Saturday (5:30 pm) before hosting Brugge for the second leg at Villa Park on Wednesday, March 12.
Additionally, their Premier League fixture against Liverpool, originally set for March 15, has been rescheduled due to the Reds’ participation in the Carabao Cup final.
