Emery offers João Gomes fitness hope ahead of Tottenham trip
The midfielder could return for Saturday's Premier League fixture after missing the Carabao Cup win at Coventry, while Marco Bizot suffered a back problem.
Unai Emery has indicated that João Gomes could be available when Aston Villa travel to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, provided the midfielder comes through fitness assessments later this week. Speaking after Wednesday night’s 3-1 Carabao Cup victory against Coventry City, the head coach explained that the former Wolverhampton Wanderers player requires a few more days before a final decision can be made.
Gomes has featured only once since receiving a red card during the opening Premier League match. A calf problem combined with that suspension limited his involvement, although he did complete ninety minutes in the Champions League win at Club Brugge earlier this month. Emery confirmed that medical staff plan to evaluate him on Thursday and Friday, adding that selection remains uncertain for now.
There was also an injury concern in goal at the Coventry Building Society Arena. Backup goalkeeper Marco Bizot was replaced by first-choice stopper Zion Suzuki during the interval. Emery stated that the Dutchman felt discomfort in his back, prompting the change, though he expressed optimism that the issue would not prove serious.
Villa head into the weekend fixture without several senior players. Ian Maatsen and Pau Torres are both unavailable, while Leon Goretzka is also ruled out. Matty Cash had been expected to take part against Coventry but ultimately did not feature.
Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off represents Villa’s final match before the next international break. The club secured their place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with the midweek win, turning attention immediately to a demanding Premier League assignment in north London.
