ASTON The absence of all three of Villa’s senior goalkeepers from practise today has hampered their preparations for tomorrow’s match against Saints.
First-choice Emiliano Martinez was not available due to sickness, while Robin Olsen (knee) and Jed Steer (Achilles) were also out due to injury.
When asked how much it worried him that all three of his goalkeepers would miss the practise, manager Steven Gerrard responded, “I anticipate us to be okay.
“Emi has experienced a little sickness. Overnight, he didn’t feel very good. It’s not a huge deal, in my opinion.
He was seen by the doctor, and we gave him some medication in the hopes that it would help him feel better in the near future.
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“I have no doubt that he will recover, and I believe he will be accessible.
“Robin has been recovering from a knee injury he sustained while training. I believe he has accomplished enough for him to be in good standing at this point.
We’ll make late calls on that, but I anticipate both of them showing up.
Gerrard said, “He’s ramped up his recovery, but we don’t want to hurry anything because he’s had the same injury a number of times,” in reference to Steer.
Should neither Olsen nor Martinez be available, it could open the door for 19-year-old Filip Marschall to feature in the matchday squad.He spent last season on loan at Gateshead.
Gerrard remarked, “I’m sure he’s itching and bet he’s thinking, ‘Oh, I could get to be on the bench, here!'”
He has performed quite well, and we have advised him to be prepared. He is organised and ready to go.
He has been travelling with us for a while, so I have no reason to question his ability to handle the issue.
“Until they’re thrown in, you never know if they’re good enough. Although we’ll have to wait and see, I believe both Olsen and Martinez will be available.
Ollie Watkins, a crucial forward for Villa who was unwell earlier this week, could also not play.
Due to a hamstring injury, Matty Cash will miss the contest, while Jan Bednarek is unable to play against his parent club.
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