Unai Emery faces left-back crisis ahead of Nottingham Forest Europa League showdown
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Credit: Imago Mon 4 May 2026 14:30, UK Unai Emery is at risk of failing to reach the Europa League final with Aston Villa on Thursday.The Birmingham outfit will take on Nottingham Forest at Villa Park, but are already 1-0 down on aggregate.In the first leg, Villa got exactly what they deserved as they failed to create anything meaningful at the City Ground.One of the biggest reasons for their defeat was the dire display of Lucas Digne, who was rightly dropped on the weekend.However, with Ian Maatsen putting in an awful display against Tottenham Hotspur, Emery is now facing a real crisis with Villa. ⚽ Aston Villa Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert previews and tactical analysis for every Aston Villa fixture. VISIT THE VILLA MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Unai Emery has major left-back decision to make vs Nottingham ForestAgainst Nottingham Forest last week, Omari Hutchinson had Digne on toast.The left-back simply could not get close to the former Ipswich Town man, and his constant threat from the flank eventually led to the penalty.Ian Maatsen vs TottenhamMinutes 90Passing accuracy 88%Successful dribbles0/4Accurate crosses 0/1Tackles0Ground duels won 1/10Maatsen had a tough game against Tottenham.
Credit: FotmobHowever, Maatsen was easily one of the worst players on the pitch on Sunday, with his dire defensive display combined with his lacklustre attacking ability making it an easy ride for the visitors.With Forest often utilising their flanks, Emery now has a tie-defining decision on who to play.Neither star is in form, and while Digne has been consistently better this season, Hutchinson clearly knows how to beat him.Therefore, this is no doubt a crisis for the manager, and it could result in Aston Villa’s demise in the semi-finals.Will Lucas Digne leave in the summer?Former scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Aston Villa will entertain offers for Digne in the summer transfer window.Emery wants to upgrade his left-back spot, and Digne has proven to be too inconsistent for his liking this season, and has already been at fault for multiple goals.The club is already identifying potential replacements for the full-back ahead of the upcoming transfer window.The area has been identified as one of Villa’s top priorities, while Digne is also expected to be open to moving on should sufficient interest emerge over the upcoming months.However, it remains to be seen who Villa will look to bring through their doors in the summer, and if the incoming signing will signal the end of Digne’s career at the Birmingham club. 🦁 ASTON VILLA INSIDER UPDATE 🦁 Get the inside track on the Villa Park dugout, transfer strategy, player wages, and technical leadership at Bodymoor Heath. Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from Villa Park.