Four defenders available on a free transfer If the injury issue at Aston Villa gets worse, Unai Emery might sign

Four defenders available on a free transfer If the injury issue at Aston Villa gets worse, Unai Emery might sign.

 

 

Aston Villa is battling for a spot in the Champions League for the upcoming season, and Unai Emery must deal with an increasing injury list.

 

Due to injuries to Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa, and Diego Carlos, Villa’s only available and healthy center backs are Pau Torres and Clement Lenglet. The latter two are expected to make a quick comeback, but if Torres or Lenglet are hurt first, Emery may have a problem.

 

Callum Chambers, 29, has been told he can go by Villa’s head coach, although he may still play in central defense. “I can never remember a time like this,” Emery remarked in reference to his team’s injuries. It’s not a justification. I always realize that injuries occur, but this is the worst case scenario. Naturally, as we are human, we will assist the players, especially those who have had ACL injuries.”

 

Four possible short-term solutions are listed below in case Villa feels they need them.

 

Phil Jones

The Red Devils released the former Manchester United defender over the summer. During his tenure at Old Trafford, Jones made over 200 appearances for the team and won multiple titles, including the Premier League, FA Cup, and Europa League.

 

Despite his struggles with injuries during his time in Manchester, his elite level expertise might be a valuable asset to Emery’s squad when he returns to full fitness.

 

Mustafi Shkodran

Mustafi, who won the 2014 World Cup with Germany, played more than 150 games with Arsenal and two FA Cups before departing in February 2021 to play for Bundesliga team Schalke. Levante of La Liga was his most recent club; he was let go there in the summer.

 

Due to his background in the Premier League and on the international stage, Mustafi should be able to adjust quickly, albeit it might take him some time to get back to full fitness.

 

Mamadou Sakho

The 34-year-old played for Crystal Palace and Liverpool throughout his eight years in the Premier League. Prior to departing in November of last year, Sakho was playing football for Montpellier in the French Ligue 1. Sakho, a former France international, has expertise that could come in handy should Villa run out of center-back choices.

 

Initiate the dialogue

Rodrigo Caio

A more unconventional selection, the Brazilian boasts a lengthy trophy list from his five years at Flamengo. Although he was freed in January, the 30-year-old would still be worth taking into account if necessary.