Aston Villa’s first team squad will return to Bodymoor Heath training ground next week (June 27) to complete the traditional pre-season fitness tests ahead of another strenuous pre-season and the first under manager Steven Gerrard.
But not everyone will be there.
Certain members of the senior squad are expected to be absent for a futher week or more due to their overriding schedules with club and country whilst others remain unavailable through injury.
In fact, the majority of the ‘core’ group, if you will, won’t return until early July and then will face a fitness crash course ahead of the first pre-season fixture away at Walsall before heading down under for the inaugural Queensland Champions Cup in Australia.
Here’s the full list of expected absentees for Monday 27th June.
1. Emiliano Martinez
Played regularly for Argentina post-season and will be given an extra week’s break. | Getty Images
2. Robin Olsen
Has been in action for Sweden in the Nations League. Photo: Simon Bellis
3. Viljami Sinisalo
Sinisalo has been away on international duty with Finland U21s. | Getty Images
4. Matty Cash
Scored his first goal for Poland following the conclusion of the Premier League season. Worthy of a little extra time off. | Getty