Arsenal travel to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime following their home clash against Brentford which takes place at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow night
Aston Villa will be without both Tyrone Mings and Ross Barkley this Saturday when they host Arsenal in the Premier League.
First, Unai Emery’s side travel to the Amex Stadium on Wednesday night where they will square off against high-flying Brighton before then hosting the Gunners this weekend.
Speaking ahead of the trip to the Sussex coast, Emery issued an injury update on his Villa squad.
In doing so, he confirmed Barkley was set for a spell on the sidelines with a knee sprain while defender Mings is still recovering from a hamstring issue sustained last month.
Barkley could be sidelined for up to 12 weeks which Emery describes as “a pity” following his recent goal against Bournemouth.
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Arsenal could be set to welcome back several first-team players either against Brentford or Villa. William Saliba is touch and go to face the Bees after picking up a knock in training which saw him sit out of the 1-1 draw at Chelsea.
Mikel Arteta said on his centre-back ahead of tomorrow night’s match: “I am not going to be able to help you much today. We have another training session later today. He had a little niggle. I think it is going to be a matter of days.
“The ankle one, it was really random and unlucky. He tried at Anfield and he had to stay away. This one as well is very bizarre, but hopefully it will be a matter of days.”
Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard is striving to shake off a calf issue ahead of the trip to Villa Park, where he scored last season.
Kai Havertz is still weeks away according to Arteta as the German steps up his rehabilitation from a minor knee operation.
Gabriel Jesus is on the comeback trail though after recently impressing in a behind-closed-doors friendly. The Brazilian was also included in the matchday squad against Chelsea.
Villa are only six points adrift of the Premier League leaders ahead of Saturday’s encounter in the Midlands, though that could change come the close of play on Wednesday when both sides are in action.
Emery’s men started the campaign five matches without a win but they have now won five on the spin as they continue to go from strength to strength under their Spanish tactical mastermind.
