Unai Emery has confirmed Nicolo Zaniolo could return to the Aston Villa squad to face Olympiacos on Thursday night, but Alex Moreno remains sidelined.
Villa host the Greek giants hoping to secure an advantage before next week’s Europa Conference League semi-final second leg at the Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus. Youri Tielemans and Emi Martinez are also both out, but Villa have no other injury concerns.
Both players sustained injuries in Villa’s 2-2 draw against Chelsea last weekend, with Martinez feeling discomfort in his hamstring and Tielemans suffering a groin problem. Martinez was replaced by Robin Olsen at half-time after Moussa Diaby came on for Tielemans in the 27th minute
Speaking of his side’s team news, Emery said: “Emi is out. Alex Moreno is close to coming back. Zaniolo could be in the squad because he is feeling better. Tielemans is not available for tomorrow, but he is feeling good. The other players are available.
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Asked if Martinez will be fit for Sunday’s clash against Brighton, Emery said: “I don’t know, he is feeling better.”
Emery’s side overcame Lille on penalties in the quarter-finals two weeks ago, while Olympiacos also advanced to the final four via a shoot-out victory against Fenerbahce.
Jacob Ramsey, Boubacar Kamara, Emi Buendia and Tyrone Mings will not feature in the final weeks of the campaign.
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