Unai Emery has confirmed that one of his new signings will be included in his Aston Villa squad for the mouth-watering clash against Arsenal.
The stage is set for Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta to go to battle at Villa Park as Aston Villa host Arsenal this evening.
Emery has a strong record against his Spanish counterpart, claiming victory in three of their five meetings, while Arteta has lauded one aspect of Villa’s game as ‘phenomenal’ ahead of the match.
In his pre-match press conference on Friday, Emery confirmed an ecnouraging injury update on defender Tyrone Mings and midfielder Boubacar Kamara, who are both closing in on a return to action.
Villa fans will be pleased that two of their key players have reached the final stage of their recovery, while the Spaniard has also confirmed some more positive news.
Unai Emery will name Enzo Barrenechea in Aston Villa squad to face Arsenal
Enzo Barrenechea arrived at Aston Villa this summer as part of the combined deal which saw him and Samuel Iling-Junior head to Birmingham and Douglas Luiz join Juventus for £42 million.
The Argentine defensive midfielder featured in pre-season but was left out of the squad for the Villans 2-1 win over West Ham United last weekend.
Barrenechea starred on loan at Frosinone last term, where he made 36 appearances for the Italian side, with Emery now confirming his inclusion in the matchday squad against Arsenal.
As per Birmingham Live, Emery said: “Tomorrow he is in the squad. He is working very well, he is young and has a big potential. His process here with us, it is to try to use progressively his potential getting better.
“Of course, I am happy with him. He is a very good player and a very good person. His adaptation in the squad is fantastic at the moment.”
Emery makes Enzo Barrenechea stance very clear
Emery waxed lyrical over Barrenechea in his pre-match interview and that suggests he’s going to stay at Villa Park this season, despite rumours over him leaving on loan.
The 23-year-old, who can operate as a defensive screen in midfield, looks like he’ll play an integral part in the squad this term, unlike his teammate Iling-Junior.
It was revealed earlier this week that Villa planned to send Iling-Junior out on loan, as competition for places is high and his game time would be limited.
🔴🔵 Samuel Iling Jr from Aston Villa to Bologna, here we go! #AVFC accept loan proposal with salary covered.
Iling Jr will be back to Serie A on straight loan after joining Villa from Juventus as part of Douglas Luiz deal.
No buy option included, medical on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/pt0GjNpAqV
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 23, 2024
Fabrizio Romano has since confirmed that the 20-year-old is set to return to the Serie A and join Bologna on loan for the season, where he’ll still get the chance to play Champions League football as the Italian side finished in fifth place.
A loan is ultimately the correct call for his development, whereas for Barrenechea, don’t be surprised to see him come off the bench for his debut against Arsenal, especially if Villa are trying to close out a lead.
Be the first to comment