Aston Villa v Hibs injury news - as two doubts and 10 ruled out

Aston Villa and Hibs will both be without some key players ahead of their UEFA Europa Conference League qualifier at Villa Park on Thursday.

Villa hold a healthy 5-0 lead over Hibs thanks to a hat-trick from Ollie Watkins, as well as goals from Leon Bailey and Douglas Luiz. During the win however, Emi Martinez was subbed off and subsequently missed the next game, and now there are question marks as to whether the World Cup winning shot-stopper will play a part.

He has joined an ever-growing list of Villains who are on the sidelines or in the treatment room, with some injuries not considered that serious, and then others whose plans for the season has been derailed. It has prompted Unai Emery to dip his toes into the transfer market and seek reinforcements.

Hibs meanwhile are without a manager after sacking Lee Johnson on Sunday, following a 3-2 defeat at Easter Road to Livingston, which left them rock bottom of the Scottish Premiership. David Gray is acting as caretaker manager, and will have to work with the squad he’s got before a replacement is found.

Aston Villa team news

Aston Villa may have to do without Emi Martinez for their UEFA Europa Conference League clash with Hibernian on Thursday night.

The Argentine goalkeeper was subbed off at half-time because of a calf injury, and missed the win against Burnley on the weekend, and that could mean another game in goals for Robin Olsen. The 30-year-old could come back for Sunday's Premier League clash with Liverpool, but if not then he may have to the to recover during the international break.

Leander Dendoncker's return date is still yet unknown but has this week rejoined his group and has begun light training. He did not feature in pre-season and so he is playing catch-up but he can use the international break as a period to really step up in his recovery.

Phillipe Coutinho remains sidelined with a hamstring injury that forced him off against Everton. It isn't thought to be serious but has ruled him out for a number of weeks. Alex Moreno is another that has dealt with a hamstring issue, but he required surgery after sustaining it in May, but could return to training shortly.

Tim Iroegbunam who was on loan at QPR last year is another sidelined, and has an unspecified return date. Jacob Ramsey broke his metatarsal when playing for England Under-21's, and has not yet featured this season but could give Unai Emery a boost when the interntional break is over.

As for the long-term absentees, Tyrone Mings is to shortly undergo knee surgery after suffering a knee injury in the 5-1 defeat to Newcastle United. Emiliano Buendia is another who faces a long spell on the sidelines after a knee injury in training, and both he and Mings were in Emery's thoughts.

Doubt: Emi Martinez, Out: Tyrone Mings, Tim Iroegbunam, Jacob Ramsey, Phillipe Coutinho, Alex Moreno, Leander Dendoncker, Emi Buendia

Hibernian team news

Hibernian are without ex-Manchester United midfielder Dylan Levitt, Harry McKirdy and former Bristol City goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott. Levitt landed awakrdly on his ankle against Luzern over a fortnight ago and has not been in action since after requiring a moon boot and crutches.

Jojo Wollacott's replacement David Marshall is a doubt having been substituted in Hibs' defeat at the weekend. He collided with a player trying to claim a cross, and was replaced by Max Boruc, distant cousin of former Celtic keeper Artur Boruc, at half-time.

Doubt: David Marshall. Out: Dylan Levitt, Harry McKirdy, Jojo Wollacott.