Villa Receive Double Fitness Boost Ahead of Leeds Trip
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has delivered a significant team news update, confirming that key defenders Ezri Konsa and Matty Cash are in contention to start against Leeds United this Sunday. This news comes as a major relief for the Villans as they prepare for their Premier League fixture at Elland Road.
International Break Injury Concerns
The availability of both players had been in question following their commitments with their national teams. Ezri Konsa featured in England's 2-0 victory against Serbia last Thursday but was subsequently forced to withdraw from Thomas Tuchel's squad due to a calf problem, missing the win over Albania.
Meanwhile, Matty Cash played 81 minutes for Poland in their 1-1 draw with the Netherlands last Friday. The right-back was then left on the bench for Poland's following match, a 3-2 away victory against Malta on Monday night.
Emery's Positive Press Conference Update
Speaking at his press conference on Friday, Emery expressed optimism about his squad's condition. "Today, the last players joined with us after playing, performing for their national teams," said the Villa boss. "Normally, we give them two days off after their last match playing there."
Emery confirmed that Tyrone Mings remains the only player definitively ruled out for the Sunday fixture. When specifically asked about the availability of Konsa, Cash, Amadou Onana, and Lamare Bogarde, Emery responded: "They are training. Amadou is the only player who we will see tomorrow if he can play."
Form Guide and Match Context
The potential return of both defenders is crucial for Villa, who have established themselves as one of the form teams in the division. Villa currently sit sixth in the Premier League table and have secured five victories from their last six league outings. Their only defeat during this impressive run came against Liverpool earlier this month.
Konsa has been virtually ever-present for Villa this campaign, missing just one Premier League match, while Cash has been a consistent fixture on the right side of Emery's defence.
Their opponents, Leeds United, approach the match in contrasting form. Leeds have lost four of their last five Premier League games and currently occupy 16th position in the table, setting the stage for a compelling encounter at Elland Road.
