Unai Emery faces Everton dilemma following 'severe' injury suffered to Aston Villa star
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Credit: IMAGO
Ciaran Morrison
Mon 8 September 2025 18:58, UK
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery faces a selection problem against Everton after a key player suffered an injury on international duty.
The Villains have made a poor start to the season with no goals scored and just one point on the board in the Premier League so far.
Victor Lindelof joined as a free agent, and Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott joined Aston Villa on deadline day to bolster Emery’s squad.
Emery will integrate Emi Martinez back into the Aston Villa squad in another boost pre-Everton for the Spaniard, but he may have to make do without a star in his defence for the trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Credit: Imago
As reported by Birmingham Live [8 September], Matty Cash was substituted at half-time of Poland’s 3-1 win over Finland.
I personally convinced him to make a substitution.
“I substituted him at half-time, and I think it was a good decision, both mine and his, as he agreed to be substituted and wasn’t stubborn about continuing to play.
“Well, he wouldn’t have lasted much longer.
Cash has started all three of Aston Villa‘s opening Premier League matches and Emery’s only other option Andres Garcia is also currently injured.
Not only that, but Cash has a great record against this weekend’s opponents.
Matty Cash against EvertonStatsGames10Wins7Draws2Losses1Goals1Assists1Matty Cash’s record against Everton.
If the 28-year-old cannot recover the fixture at Everton, then Emery may be forced to play a player out of position to fill the role.
The lack of depth in the Aston Villa squad highlights the club’s subdued transfer window, with signings left to the last minute.
Aston Villa need a result at Everton to kick start their season, and not having a natural right-back to face the in-form Jack Grealish is a huge blow.
Grealish has four assists in his first three Premier League games for Everton and will relish the opportunity to add to that tally after being left out of the England squad.