11 players could miss Aston Villa vs Liverpool
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Image Credits: Imago ImagesLiverpool’s rearranged trip to Villa Park is shaping up to be a meeting of two patched‑up squads, with as many as 11 players potentially missing when Aston Villa host the Reds.Originally scheduled for mid‑May, the clash was moved once when Aston Villa’s deep Europa League run crowded the fixture list and then pushed again after Unai Emery’s side booked their place in the final. The final, against Freiburg in Istanbul, forced the Premier League to find a new slot that protects Villa’s preparation.The solution is an 8:00 pm BST kick-off on Friday night under the lights at Villa Park, just days before Villa fly out for the biggest European game of their modern era.But before that, both sides need to navigate a tricky injury listBoubacar Kamara – outBoubacar Kamara is one of Villa’s headline absentees, with the French midfielder ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery in Lyon.
He damaged his left knee during Villa’s FA Cup win over Tottenham back in January, and the club confirmed that the operation means his campaign is over.Alysson – doubtBrazilian winger Alysson has endured a stop‑start first season in England and remains a doubt, having battled knee and undisclosed knocks that have repeatedly halted his progress. He did not make the squad for Villa’s recent 2-2 draw with Burnley.Conor Bradley – outConor Bradley is a confirmed long‑term absentee after suffering a serious knee injury earlier in the season.Hugo Ekitike – outHugo Ekitike will also definitely miss the Villa trip after a devastating Achilles tendon rupture in the Champions League defeat to Paris Saint‑Germain.
He will only return next season.Giovanni Leoni – outYoung centre‑back Giovanni Leoni suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear at the very start of his Liverpool career, late on in his debut against Southampton in the League CupWataru Endo – outEndo suffered ankle ligament damage in February and is focusing on his fitness for the World Cup, where he will captain Japan.Ibrahima Konate – outThe Frenchman is another concern after being forced off in Liverpool’s recent draw with Chelsea. He is expected to be back in contention for the Villa trip.