Aston Villa vs Wolves injury news - as four confirmed out and four doubts including star man

Aston Villa play host to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday evening as both West Midlands sides look to propel themselves up the Premier League standings. The Villans managed a surprise 2-0 away victory at Tottenham Hotspur last time out, whereas Wolves played well and were unfortunate to lose 1-0 to Manchester United at Molineux.

Unai Emery appears to have completely transformed things at Villa Park, with supporters now looking up toward the top of the table rather than down near the bottom. With 21 points after 17 games and just five points off the top seven, the hope of European qualification may not actually be too far-fetched.

Wolves meanwhile remain right up against it in the relegation battle, but a late 2-1 win over Everton on Boxing Day really helped their situation. Rayan Ait-Nouri’s 95th-minute winner helped the Wanderers to a valuable win as they were the only side in the bottom half to pick up a single point, let alone all three.

Awaiting for both teams is a huge challenge, though, as clashes between Villa and Wolves are always heated - especially over recent years. Last season it was the team in orange that completed the double as they won 2-1 at Molineux in April and were victorious in a 3-2 thriller at Villa Park in October 2021. Things are now looking very different, however, and the injury news could have a big impact.

What is the injury news ahead of Aston Villa vs Wolves?

Emery was very successful in naming an unchanged starting side for the trip to Tottenham, but he will likely be unable to do so again. The former Arsenal manager confirmed John McGinn is a major doubt after suffering a hamstring strain, whereas Douglas Luiz went off with a knock and is being assessed.

Leander Dendoncker, who would be an almost certain replacement for Luiz if fit, remains a doubt. Wonderkid midfielder Jacob Ramsey is nearing a return but will only be available off the bench if he does feature in the matchday squad. Emiliano Martinez may take his goalkeeper spot back off Robin Olsen, but it could be tricky after a strong showing from the Swede.

Wolves have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the clash but Lopetegui will still have to make do without long-term absentees Chiquinho (knee), Pedro Neto (ankle) and Sasa Kalajdzic (knee). Boubacar Traore and Jonny Otto both returned to the bench against the Red Devils, with the latter featuring as a late substitute. New signing Matheus Cunha is set to be involved.

Doubts: McGinn, Luiz, Dendoncker, Ramsey (AVL).

Ruled out: Carlos (AVL); Chiquinho, Neto, Kalajdzic (WOL).