Johan Manzambi injury update as Unai Emery makes decision before Man City

Unai Emery says that he will make a late check on Johan Manzambi ahead of Aston Villa's match against Manchester City this weekend.

The 21-year-old missed Villa’s 3-1 win against Viking FK in midweek due to a "small injury" he sustained in last weekend’s victory over Newcastle United.

Manzambi scored the only goal of the game at St James’ Park, taking his tally to four goals in five matches.

Ahead of Villa’s match against City, Emery was asked to provide an update on his team's fitness.

"We are training now in the afternoon and we are still being with players who are clearly out like Onana, Aaron [Wan-Bissaka] and Ruggeri," he said.

"The other players, we will see how they are after the match they played on Wednesday. Some have some pain, but I can’t tell you now until after the training session this afternoon."

Asked about Manzambi, Emery added: "It is not a big injury, but in case he doesn't feel 100 per cent comfortable, training firstly... The plan is, can you run? Can you touch the ball? This is the process."

Matteo Ruggeri and Aaron Wan-Bissaka remain sidelined with hamstring injuries, but Ian Maatsen returned from injury against Viking FK.

The Dutch left-back could start against City, despite not featuring off the bench on Wednesday evening.

Tyrone Mings operated at left-back and Joao Gomes at right-back when Villa were out of possession, but the team switched to a back three in possession.

Matty Cash was also rested, remaining on the bench alongside Maatsen, with Emery choosing to keep both players fresh for the match against City.

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