Argentina's World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emi Martinez will not play for Aston Villa against Liverpool on Boxing Day, Unai Emery has confirmed.
The penalty-saving expert has been granted extra time off to celebrate the South American country's triumph in Qatar. Martinez, a key component in Argentina's success, is likely to be replaced in the Villa goal by former Everton keeper Robin Olsen, even though he is currently nursing a niggly injury himself.
Olsen will train today and providing there are no further problems, will be between the sticks for Villa on Monday, with Martinez not due back in England until next week.
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Midfielder Jacob Ramsey will also be missing for the Midlanders, with a hamstring injury that is expected to keep him out of action for the next few weeks.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference about Ramsey, new boss Emery said: “His injury came before we went to Dubai, he didn’t play the friendly matches but now he is starting to train on the pitch. I think he is going to be ready, maybe, in ten days or two weeks.
“But for the match on Monday, he’s not available. It’s a pity for us because he was a very, very good performer before the World Cup and is an important player.”
Liverpool will be looking to get their Champions League qualification hopes back on track when they visit Villa Park. The Reds currently lie sixth in the Premier League, seven points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur with a game in hand.
Jurgen Klopp's side are already out of the Carabao Cup after losing their fourth-round tie against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium 3-2 on Thursday evening.
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