Southampton vs Aston Villa injury news - as seven players ruled out and four doubts

Aston Villa head out on the road for the first time in three weeks on Saturday as they take on Southampton at St Mary’s. The Villans will be eager to maintain their good form as they have picked up 13 points out of the last 18 available – a league-high.

Unai Emery’s side are now well clear of the relegation battle, 10 points above West Ham United in 18th and just three points outside of the top half. As has been the immense improvement since the former Arsenal manager took to the dugout, supporters are starting to believe once again.

Meanwhile, this weekend’s opposition, Southampton, are in a right state of affairs at rock bottom of the Premier League standings. The Saints have kept their top division status ever since they were promoted back in 2012, but they are at real risk of facing the drop if results do not pick up soon.

Winning just four and losing 12 of their opening 19 games this term, Nathan Jones’ side are in a desperate situation. They were able to pick up a vital three points last time out as they beat Everton away from home, but a high-flying Villa side will be very daunting, no doubt.

Ahead of the clash, the Saints just about have an advantage on the team news front, but there are plenty of injury problems for both teams. Here is all the latest.

What is the team news ahead of Southampton vs Aston Villa?

Saturday’s hosts will still have to make do without right-back Valentino Livramento (muscular) and left-sided defender Juan Larios (groin) but goalkeeper Alex McCarthy (ankle), speedy winger Theo Walcott (calf) and centre back Armel Bella-Kotchap are all being assessed ahead of their potential returns. They are close but still doubtful as either one, some, or none could feature.

The Villans are expected to welcome back Matty Cash (groin) and Ollie Watkins (ankle) after their respective injuries. Emery confirmed pre-match they had returned to training this week and have been building fitness. The same cannot be said for Lucas Digne, however, as he is still recovering from a shoulder injury. Diego Carlos and Jed Steer are still sidelined.

Loanee full-back Ludwig Augustinsson is fit again but has suffered from illness this week, so he is a late call. Central defender Jan Bednarek is ineligible to play against his parent club but Leander Dendoncker is back. Experienced midfielder John McGinn is ruled out but Emery confirmed he could be back for the game against Leicester City in two weeks’ time.

Ruled out: Livramento, Larios (SOU); Digne, Carlos, Steer, Bednarek, McGinn (AVL).

Doubts: McCarthy, Walcott, Bella-Kotchap (SOU); Augustinsson (AVL).