Aston Villa injury crisis deepens | Unail Emery suggest 4 free transfer defenders

Unai Emery finds himself grappling with an expanding injury roster at Aston Villa as they vie for a spot in next season’s Champions League.

With Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa, and Diego Carlos sidelined, Pau Torres and Clement Lenglet stand as Villa’s sole fit and available center-backs. Although the return of Konsa and Carlos looms, any setback for Torres or Lenglet could pose a quandary for Emery.

While Callum Chambers remains an option, his potential involvement is complicated by previous discussions of his departure from the club. Addressing the injury situation, Emery remarked, “I can’t recall a time like this. It’s not an excuse. When injuries occur, I always acknowledge them, but this is undoubtedly the most severe.”

In light of these circumstances, Villa may contemplate several short-term solutions, including:

1. Phil Jones: Despite injury setbacks during his tenure at Manchester United, Jones’s extensive Premier League experience could prove valuable to Emery’s squad.

2. Shkodran Mustafi: A seasoned campaigner in the Premier League and at international level, Mustafi’s familiarity with the English game could facilitate a seamless transition into Villa’s lineup, albeit with a possible adjustment period to regain match fitness.

3. Mamadou Sakho: With a wealth of experience garnered from his time at Liverpool and Crystal Palace, Sakho’s recent stint in France’s Ligue 1 adds another dimension to his suitability for Villa’s defensive needs.

4. Rodrigo Caio: Though perhaps less conventional, Caio’s trophy-laden stint at Flamengo and his availability since January present an intriguing option for Villa to explore should the need arise.