Unai Emery reveals surprise fresh injury for Aston Villa after vital win over Tottenham

Unai Emery has revealed he didn’t include Philippe Coutinho in the matchday squad for the 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday due to a fresh injury concern. Aston Villa did just fine continuing without the former Liverpool man as they claimed a vital three points, but the news comes as a blow nonetheless.

The Villans reignited their dream of qualifying for Europe with a dominant performance over Spurs at Villa Park, propelled by an eighth-minute strike from Jacob Ramsey and solidified by a second-half Douglas Luiz free-kick. Harry Kane scored a penalty very late on to ramp up the tension but the hosts held on.

Leon Bailey had a brilliant game on the right flank and John McGinn was a standout performer in the centre of the park. Jhon Duran was able to get a 25-minute cameo as the Colombian had some promising moments, and Boubacar Kamara made his long-awaited return from an ankle issue.

There was no comeback for Coutinho, however, and now it’s clear as to why. “Philippe, yesterday, he had again a small injury. I don’t know exactly how long he’s going to be,” Emery revealed in the post-match press conference. Coutinho, who hasn’t played for Villa since scoring in the 4-2 defeat against Arsenal in February, is now a doubt for next weekend.

It’s a real shame as the Brazilian was just getting back to form in the game against the Gunners and he had worked so hard to get back to fitness. Thankfully for Emery, though, there are plenty of other options in midfield for the last two matches. Next up is a crucial game away at Liverpool, and then Villa host Brighton & Hove Albion on the final day.