Aston Villa have been dealt an untimely injury setback just days before their crucial Premier League meeting with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
With Roberto De Zerbi’s side sitting two points behind 17th-placed West Ham United, every remaining fixture carries huge significance for the Lilywhites. Their visit to Villa Park is a must-win if they hope to climb out of the relegation zone and keep their survival hopes alive.
Premier League Standings (Before the Weekend)
| Team | MP | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nottingham Forest | 34 | 10 | 9 | 15 | -4 | 39 |
| West Ham | 34 | 9 | 9 | 16 | -16 | 36 |
| Tottenham | 34 | 8 | 10 | 16 | -10 | 34 |
| Burnley | 34 | 4 | 8 | 22 | -34 | 20 |
| Wolves | 34 | 3 | 8 | 23 | -38 | 17 |
Tottenham’s narrow but vital victory away at Wolves last week kept them within touching distance of safety. Despite their extensive injury list, De Zerbi’s men must now summon another resilient performance as they return to the Midlands.
However, Spurs may benefit from a potential absence on the Villa side.
Amadou Onana a doubt for Aston Villa ahead of Spurs clash
Aston Villa suffered a 1–0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final at the City Ground on Thursday. The loss was compounded by an injury to midfielder Amadou Onana, who was forced off in the first half.
Unai Emery confirmed after the match that Onana experienced discomfort and now faces a race against time to recover for Sunday’s match.
The Villa boss told The Standard:
“In the first half, he was telling us he was feeling something in his calf, but in another leg. I don’t know how he’s going to recover. Hopefully, in a few days he can recover. But of course, we must be careful with him as well.”
Onana has been a key figure for Villa this season, and his potential absence would be a major advantage for Spurs.
Spurs facing Villa at the right moment
Aston Villa are closing in on a top-five finish and Champions League qualification, but their immediate priority is securing a place in the Europa League final. With the second leg of the semi-final coming next week, squad rotation is likely.
Emery may opt to rest several first-team regulars—including those carrying knocks—to ensure they are fully fit for what could be a historic night for the club.
For Tottenham, this presents a rare opportunity. Villa may not approach this Premier League fixture with the same urgency that De Zerbi’s relegation-threatened side must show.
With Spurs fighting for their lives and Villa balancing domestic and European ambitions, the timing of this fixture could play directly into Tottenham’s hands.
If De Zerbi’s squad can capitalise on Villa’s distraction and injury concerns, they may yet secure three crucial points in their battle to remain in the Premier League.
