Unai Emery Unfazed by Watkins and Martinez Absences for PSG Clash

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery faces a severely depleted squad ahead of the UEFA Super Cup clash against Paris Saint-Germain, playing down concerns over the absence of key starters Emiliano Martínez, Ollie Watkins, and Ezri Konsa. The Spanish manager confirmed that his team will navigate the high-profile fixture without their rested international stars, relying instead on returning leadership to steady the side at the start of the European campaign.

The Cost of Extended International Summer Duty

According to sports reports regarding the Aston Villa roster, Emiliano Martínez, Ollie Watkins, and Ezri Konsa will miss the Super Cup encounter because their manager granted them extended rest periods following a demanding summer schedule. Martínez reached the final of the 2026 World Cup with Argentina, while Watkins and Konsa traveled to the United States, Canada, and Mexico for tournament duties right up to the third-place playoff against France. Consequently, the club confirmed that none of the three players will return to training at Bodymoor Heath until August 19.

McGinn and Garnacho Return to Boost Villa Squad

While the squad loses three pillars, Emery welcomes back club captain John McGinn and winger Alejandro Garnacho in time to face PSG. Both players missed Aston Villa’s recent 2-1 defeat against Bayern Munich. McGinn sustained a knee injury during a match against Pathum, though subsequent medical tests and an MRI scan dismissed fears of a long-term problem. Garnacho simultaneously dealt with a facial injury picked up during the same fixture, but both returned to full training sessions on Tuesday morning.

Facing the Heavyweights Without Regular Starters

Aston Villa enters the fixture against Paris Saint-Germain as underdogs against the European heavyweights, a dynamic complicated by the missing personnel in defense and attack. With training ground additions McGinn and Garnacho providing fresh options, the Villans must reorganize their tactical approach for the Wednesday fixture.

What Comes Next for Aston Villa

The squad’s immediate focus centers on Wednesday’s Super Cup kickoff against Paris Saint-Germain. Following the European fixture, Aston Villa players will continue preparations ahead of the August 19 return date for Martínez, Watkins, and Konsa as the domestic league schedule gathers pace.