Rare feat achieved by Aston Villa and Bournemouth before Saturday's Premier League clash
An incredibly rare triumph can be shared by both Aston Villa and AFC Bournemouth.
The Villans and the Cherries remarkably boast fully-fit squads ahead of this weekend’s Premier League clash at Villa Park, a rarity in modern football.
Jaden Philogene, suspended for one match after his sending off away at Fulham for two yellow cards, is the only player unavailable. This week is the first in over 18 months that Villa have had no first-team injury concerns whatsoever, while Bournemouth have shaken off their own fitness woes.
Tyrone Mings made his long-awaited return to the bench against Bologna after 14 months out with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and Boubacar Kamara earned his first minutes following a similar issue. Even Robin Olsen, who has had the odd niggle here and there, made the matchday squad.
Jacob Ramsey, Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Amadou Onana and John McGinn have all fully recovered from their recent short-term lay-offs. Unai Emery is in a terrific position to rotate to his heart’s desire during Villa’s tricky and congested fixture schedule, including upcoming ties in the Carabao Cup and Champions League.
Bournemouth don’t have European football to contend with but Andoni Iraola will still be very relieved to have everyone fit and available. Tyler Adams was the most recent to come back into the fold as the American midfielder returned to the bench for the 2-0 win over Arsenal, following on from back surgery.
Saturday’s clash is set to be an entertaining one as Villa are on a two-month unbeaten charge but Bournemouth, up to 11th in the Premier League standings, look like a force to be reckoned with.