Why Emi Martinez misses Aston Villa game against Nottingham Forest | Football

Aston Villa were dealt a blow ahead of Sunday’s Premier League game against Nottingham Forest after Emiliano Martinez picked up an injury in the warm-up.

The 33-year-old featured in Thursday night’s Europa League win against Bologna but was unable to take his place in the starting line-up at the City ground and was replaced by Marco Bizot.

As a result, 21-year-old James Wright, who is yet to make a senior appearance for Villa, was named on the substitutes’ bench.

Given Villa’s continued involvement in Europe, Emery rotated his team again for the challenge of facing a Forest side who are desperate to pick up points in the battle to beat the drop.

‘Each match is different, each competition is different,’ said the Villa boss. ‘The players are ready and they are focusing on how important it is for us.

‘Building our team, with our structure is important. Trying to get the best with the starting players and the players on the bench.

‘Victor Lindelof is playing brilliantly and Ross Barkley is not playing in Europe which is important.

‘We try to set our structure on the field from minute one.’

Three points would have cemented Villa’s position in the driving seat to secure Champions League qualification with Chelsea in action against Manchester City later on Sunday.

Emery added; ‘We are in game 32 and it is [about] three points today with the momentum that we have. Keep going and trying to focus in each moment.’

Forest’s chances of staying up were given a huge boost prior to the international break as a result of their comprehensive 3-0 win over Tottenham.

Villa, however, were likely to represent an altogether different test according to their manager, Vitor Pereira, who is a huge admirer of the progress Emery’s side have made in recent seasons.

He said; ‘When we have quality and character, it gives you confidence in your side.

‘We want to be mentally and physically fresh to face Aston Villa at our best level.’