Aston Villa trio Martinez, Mings, & Cash could miss FA Cup clash, Emery confirms | OneFootball

Aston Villa have been hit with a fresh injury crisis as manager Unai Emery confirmed that key players Emiliano Martinez, Tyrone Mings, and Matty Cash are all doubts for the FA Cup fifth-round tie against Cardiff City on Friday night.

The Villans are dealing with an injury list that has now grown to eight players, creating a selection headache for Emery.

The Argentine shot-stopper had already felt pain in training on Monday but was passed fit to start after completing the pre-match warm-up without issues. However, his status remains uncertain for Friday’s match at Villa Park.

“We will train this afternoon and assess how the players are feeling on the field,” Emery said (via Birmingham Mail).

“We don’t want to take risks. Pau Torres is still injured. Matty Cash is close, but we will see. Mings is a doubt. Martinez is a doubt. Barkley is unavailable. Onana and Kamara are close to coming back.”

There was a glimmer of hope as Emery revealed that Donyell Malen, who has been suffering from illness, could recover in time to feature. “Malen is sick, but hopefully he can recover for tomorrow,” he added.

Villa and Cardiff have met three times previously in the FA Cup, with the Bluebirds winning twice and Villa progressing once.

However, history is on Villa’s side at Villa Park, where they are unbeaten in their last 15 home games against Cardiff, winning the last seven in a row. Cardiff’s last victory in Birmingham came back in December 1954.

After the FA Cup clash, Villa will shift focus to their Champions League round of 16 tie against Club Brugge, with the first leg scheduled for Tuesday. Emery’s side then face Brentford next Saturday before the second leg against Brugge at Villa Park (March 12).