Aston Villa’s head coach, Unai Emery, has provided updates on the fitness of key players Boubacar Kamara and Leon Bailey ahead of their crucial Premier League fixture against Liverpool on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.
Boubacar Kamara’s Early Exit Raises Concerns
During Aston Villa’s recent 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town, midfielder Boubacar Kamara was substituted after just 16 minutes due to an unspecified injury. Post-match, Emery addressed concerns regarding Kamara’s condition, stating, “I don’t know now, but I think it is not a lot.” While the exact nature and severity of the injury remain unclear, there is cautious optimism about his potential availability for the upcoming match. citeturn0search3
Leon Bailey’s Fitness Status
Leon Bailey was notably absent from the squad during the Ipswich Town match. Emery shed light on the situation, explaining that Bailey experienced “a small pain” but emphasized that it is “not a very important injury.” The coach expressed hope that Bailey would be ready for the next matches, suggesting a possible return against Liverpool. citeturn0search3
Defensive Woes: Ezri Konsa and Others
Adding to Aston Villa’s injury challenges, defender Ezri Konsa missed the Ipswich Town game due to a muscular injury sustained during the FA Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur. Emery indicated that while Konsa has resumed individual training, he might require an additional week before returning to match fitness, making his participation against Liverpool doubtful. citeturn0search5
The defensive lineup is further strained with Pau Torres recovering from a serious ankle injury and Matty Cash sidelined with a muscle issue. Both are not expected to return until late February or early March. citeturn0search5
Midfield Depth Tested: Amadou Onana’s Ongoing Recovery
Midfielder Amadou Onana has been grappling with a thigh injury, limiting his participation in recent matches. Emery mentioned that Onana “still has a lot of work to do” to regain full fitness and refrained from providing a specific timeline for his return. This situation tests the depth of Aston Villa’s midfield options ahead of the Liverpool encounter. citeturn0search5
Upcoming Fixtures
Aston Villa’s schedule remains demanding, with the following matches on the horizon:
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As the team prepares to face league leaders Liverpool, Emery and his coaching staff will be closely monitoring the fitness of key players, making crucial decisions to navigate this challenging period.
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