Aston Villa suffer injury horror on dawn of Brentford clash

Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2023/24 season, Unai Emery has confirmed ahead of Saturday’s clash with Brentford. 
 The academy graduate has missed the last four matches after going off in the 3-2 win at Luton Town last month, with Morgan Rogers and Nicolo Zaniolo starting at left midfield in his absence. 
 This fresh blow comes just a couple of weeks after Emery gave an unusually coy response to Birmingham World. “I don’t know; I don’t know,” Emery said gingerly after the 1-1 draw at West Ham United.

The 22-year-old has endured a campaign that has been ravaged by injuries. He missed a large chunk of games during August, October and November. It has limited him to just 21 appearances this term with just 10 starts. 
 There’s some good news, though, as Emiliano Martinez and Ollie Watkins will both be named in Saturday’s matchday squad. The extent of their involvement awaits to be seen but the pair will definitely be present.

It’s a vital game as Villa have the opportunity to move five points clear of fellow Champions League chasers Tottenham Hotspur. Emery’s side will have played two extra games at that stage but a win would certainly weigh the pressure on Spurs.