EMI MARTINEZ INJURY UPDATE: CAN ASTON VILLA STAR RECOVER IN TIME FOR MAN UTD
Emi Martinez vs Man Utd: From failed summer transfers to a race for fitness, get the full story on Villa’s No. 1 right here.
This weekend, Aston Villa is playing Manchester United at Villa Park, but there's a question mark over whether their goalie, Emi Martinez, will be well enough to play.
He had to leave the Brighton game early this month during warm-ups. He did play against Arsenal a few days later, but then he was out for the West Ham game and the Europa League game against Basel. So, people are wondering if he’s ready to start again.
Apparently, Martinez wanted to move to Manchester United over the summer, so he might want to play well if he gets the chance.
Also, he got a red card the last time these teams played because of a foul on Rasmus Hojlund, which kind of hurt Villa's chances of getting into the Champions League.
It turns out Martinez has been dealing with a back injury for a few weeks now, which is why he hasn't been playing.
On December 14, the Villa coach, Unai Emery, said that he was hoping Martinez could start training the following week before the Manchester United game.
We'll have to wait and see if that happened and if Emery thinks he’s ready to go.
Emery seems to trust the backup goalie, Marco Bizot, but he has allowed six goals in the last three games he’s played.
Even though Villa has won all three of those games, they can still win even if Martinez isn't playing.
StadiumNest thinks Villa would prefer to have Martinez back for this game, but they've been playing well lately, so they might be okay either way.
Emery’s team has won nine games in a row and has been dealing with other injuries, too, not just Martinez. So, they're looking strong.
Since Manchester United just had a 4-4 tie with Bournemouth, and Bizot hasn't been playing great, Martinez being out could mean there will be a lot of goals scored.
Transfermarkt says Martinez is worth about €15 million.
HOW JAMES MADDISON’S INDIVIDUAL TRAINING SIGNALS A SHOCK SEASON RETURN
James Maddison returns to individual training as Igor Tudor prepares Tottenham for a vital relegation battle with Forest.
Ahead of Tottenham’s match against Nottingham Forest, manager Igor Tudor gave an update on when James Maddison might return from injury. It’s a crucial moment for Spurs as they prepare to host Forest in what could be the defining 90 minutes of Tudor’s time at the club and quite possibly a key fixture that will shape the season for both teams.
Currently separated by just one point, Tottenham and Forest are locked in a battle against relegation. A win would push Spurs four points clear of the drop zone, while a loss might drag them into the bottom three. The stakes couldn’t be clearer.
Tudor’s side heads into this game with renewed energy, surprisingly positive given the mood just two weeks ago. The draw at Anfield broke a six-game losing streak, and their recent 3-2 victory over Atlético Madrid, though not enough to overturn the aggregate score, brought back a sense of belief. Young players like Xavi Simons and Archie Gray impressed, while Mathys Tel kept the opposition on their toes. The atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was electric in a way fans haven’t felt for months. While the Champions League hopes are dashed, that performance has injected valuable momentum into Spurs’ survival fight.
There’s also some hopeful news on the injury front. Dominic Solanke, who missed the Atlético leg with a hip issue, might be available. His physical presence adds a different dimension to Tottenham’s attack, which Tudor will surely be glad to have.
But the most promising update came from Tudor’s comments about Maddison. The creative midfielder, sidelined since August after rupturing his ACL in a preseason friendly, has begun some individual training, spotted alongside Palhinha. Recoveries from ACL injuries are never straightforward, and the team won’t rush him back. With only seven league games left after Sunday, there’s a narrow window for his return. Still, even the possibility of Maddison getting back on the pitch—someone who can change a game with a moment of skill or a precise pass—offers a much-needed morale boost.
For now, though, the focus remains firmly on Forest.
WHY BORUSSIA DORTMUND EXPECT JADON SANCHO TO SIGN FOR FREE
Unai Emery praises Jadon Sancho despite poor stats, while Dortmund free up £21m in wages to lure him back to Germany.
Borussia Dortmund really want Jadon Sancho back, and they’re hoping to get him for free from Manchester United. Sancho’s contract runs out this summer, and honestly, no one expects United to offer him a new one.
Right now, Sancho’s on loan at Aston Villa. It’s his third spell away from Old Trafford since United signed him for £73 million in 2021. His move to Villa was just a loan with no option to buy.
Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, has hinted he might keep Sancho, but Dortmund aren’t sitting around. The Times says Dortmund didn’t chase wingers last summer because Nico Kovac liked the 3-4-2-1 formation, but now the boss has changed his mind and wants Sancho back.
If Sancho comes back, he'll need to take a hefty pay cut from his £300,000-a-week salary. Still, Dortmund’s where he made his name after moving from Manchester City in 2017.
Dortmund have room in the budget this summer; they let the contracts of Julian Brandt, Niklas Süle, and Salih Özcan run out. That saves them about £21 million a year, and they’re optimistic they can lure Sancho, who’s allowed to strike pre-contract deals with foreign clubs.
Sancho actually spent half of the 2024 season back at Dortmund after Erik ten Hag froze him out at United. He helped them reach the Champions League final, but nothing permanent came of it.
Something similar happened during his loan to Chelsea last season. The club even paid a £5 million penalty just to avoid having to sign him outright. Villa picked him up right at the transfer deadline in September, but, once again, he’s struggled.
So far, Sancho’s got one goal and one assist in 29 games across all competitions. Still, Emery thinks there’s more to come.
When asked in February about signing Sancho for good, Emery said, “Not yet, but he’s a fantastic player. Hopefully, he can help us by improving within our system, like he is doing.
“He’ll need a new contract; maybe it’s here. If he plays his best football, we’ll want him. But other teams will be interested, too.”
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