Emi Martinez’s fitness for Saturday’s match against Arsenal is at risk, with the goalkeeper set to undergo a fitness test in the second half. Arsenal could receive a boost as they could face Villa without their No. 1 shot-stopper, who came through with the Gunners. Martinez was due to start against Brighton on Wednesday night but was unable to complete the warm-up due to a back injury.
Martinez was left out of the starting XI and was replaced in the 11th hour by Marco Bizzotto. Despite his early blunders, Bizzotto played a key role in Villa’s victory over Brighton, making a vital late save to deny Danny Welbeck in a 4-3 win on the south coast. Ahead of the game against Arsenal, manager Unai Emery provided an update on Martinez’s fitness in his pre-match press conference.
“He will train this afternoon. He did not train yesterday, but it is very important for him how the elapsed time makes him feel good,” explained the Villa manager. “We won’t know until the last moment whether he will be able to come tomorrow or not.”
If Martinez is ruled out, Emery will name Bizzotto as his fourth start in the league this season. “We have Marco. Marco is a great guy and a professional,” Emery said. “He has accepted his role. He signed here as a sub for Emi Martinez.
“He is ready when he is available and is waiting for the moment. He is very mature and responsible.”
Villa will face the league leaders on Saturday, aiming for a seventh consecutive win in all competitions. Arsenal have lost just once in their last 21 away matches in the Premier League, losing 1-0 to Liverpool in August.
Arsenal’s last three away defeats have all come without a goal, with the Gunners remaining unbeaten in 30 away games with at least one goal.
