- Ezri Konsa has been one of Aston Villa’s best players during superb season
- But defender is injured and faces a month out of action for Unai Emery’s men
- IAN LADYMAN picks his top five Premier League centre backs of all time – It’s All Kicking Off podcast
Ezri Konsa faces a month on the sidelines with a knee injury in a huge blow to Aston Villa’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
The centre-back suffered the injury in last Saturday’s 5-0 win at Sheffield United and boss Unai Emery delivered the worrying news the day before his side face Chelsea in an FA Cup fourth-round replay at Villa Park on Wednesday.
Konsa has been one of the best defenders in the Premier League this season and his absence will weaken Villa, who are already without Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings, though Torres is expected to be on the bench against Chelsea.
‘He will not be available for three or four weeks, more or less,’ said Emery, whose side are still involved at the sharp end of three competitions.
Along with Torres and Mings, Lucas Digne is also unable to feature against Chelsea and cannot even be among the substitutes.
Ezri Konsa was injured against Sheffield United and now faces up to a month out
Konsa will be a huge loss for Champions League-chasing Aston Villa in the weeks ahead
In better news for Villa, Leon Bailey is due to sign a new long-term deal with the club.
Mail Sport revealed in January that the Jamaican had opened talks on the fresh contract and the matter is now approaching its conclusion.
Bailey has been one of Villa’s best players this term, scoring eight goals and registering six assists in all competitions.
‘One month ago we decided he deserved to extend his contract but we had to be very demanding with him,’ said Emery.
‘He is happy here, he is getting better and adapting better to our demands and those of the Premier League.
‘We are so close (to doing the deal) and we think he is going to sign.’
