Aston Villa are in Premier League action for the final time this season as they take on Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon. Backed by a home crowd at Villa Park, Unai Emery’s side know that three points will secure qualification for the Europa Conference League.
It’s a huge opportunity to round off a remarkable turnaround story under the new manager, with the prize of European football not only an exciting adventure but also a lure for summer signings. The Seagulls, meanwhile, have very little to play for as they’ve already confirmed their Europa League status for next season.
On the injury and team news front, it’s rather even between the two sides as both Emery and Roberto De Zerbi will have to deal with a long list of absentees. There’s still lots of uncertainty around a few names, but here’s what we know so far ahead of Sunday.
Calum Chambers – returnee
The former Arsenal man missed both the win against Tottenham and the trip to Anfield through illness but is in contention for the weekend.
Lewis Dunk – doubt
Recently received an England call-up for the first time since 2018 but has been struggling with back and calf issues. He’s played through it a lot but was on the bench against City midweek.
Diego Carlos – doubt
Emery revealed at Anfield that Carlos had picked up “a small injury”. The head coach went on to say, “we don’t know if we can get him available”, making him a doubt for the Brighton clash.
The World Cup winner was not fit enough to start against City but will be keen to play at Villa in what could be his final game for the club.
Alexis Mac Allister – doubt
The World Cup winner was not fit enough to start against City but will be keen to play at Villa in what could be his final game for the club. Photo: Mike Hewitt
Philippe Coutinho – ruled out
Emery confirmed on May 18 that the Brazilian would miss the rest of the season with a knock sustained just before he was due back.
Solly March – ruled out
Picked up a hamstring injury recently and De Zerbi won’t risk him for the final game, especially with nothing to play for.
Came off in the 1-1 draw at Liverpool with a hamstring issue and Emery said it’d be “difficult to be
Alex Moreno – ruled out
Came off in the 1-1 draw at Liverpool with a hamstring issue and Emery said it’d be “difficult to be ready to be available for Sunday”.
Adam Lallana – ruled out
Has been working hard to get back from a hamstring issue he’s been out with since January, but won’t play at Villa Park.
Jakub Moder – ruled out
It’s been over a year since Moder’s serious knee injury and he’s getting closer and closer to his long-awaited return. No need to risk him here, though.
Jed Steer – ruled out
Won’t play for the Villans again as he’s still recovering from a serious Achilles injury and his contract is up next month. What a servant he’s been.
Jeremy Sarmiento – ruled out
Suffered an ankle injury at the end of March and won’t play again until pre-season. That hasn’t stopped him getting involved in the celebrations, mind.
Tariq Lamptey – ruled out
Another who won’t play until next season, it’s a real shame for Lamptey as his knee injury is one of multiple that have sidelined him this campaign. for as they’ve already confirmed their Europa League status for next season.
Robert Sanchez – ruled out
The goalkeeper has ruled himself out recently not due to injury but because of a frustration at losing his spot to Jason Steele. He could well leave in the summer.
