The Express and Star journalist Matt Maher has revealed Emiliano Martinez and Emiliano Buendia are on their way back to Aston Villa after their international suspensions were upheld.
The duo were called up by Lionel Scaloni for Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Ecuador, having missed the game versus Venezuela after receiving a two-game ban while on international duty last year.
Should Buendia start against Wolves?
Yes
No
There was hope the punishment would be reduced to make them available. However, Maher has now confirmed the Albiceleste’s appeal failed, meaning Martinez and Buendia have made their way back to Bodymoor Heath to prepare for Villa’s match against Wolves this weekend.
What impact could this have on the derby? We take a look at the potential consequences…
Boost for Gerrard
This will no doubt be a huge boost for Steven Gerrard ahead of the important match with Wolves. Martinez, in particular, has been vital to the Villans this campaign, starting in all but one of their 29 Premier League matches. During that time, he has kept nine clean sheets and become one of the most dependable players at the club.
Buendia has not had as large an impact, but has still featured 26 times this season in the top flight, scoring two goals and providing four assists.
Only 19 of those outings have been starts, but he clearly has plenty of quality and is another option for Gerrard, either in the starting XI or on the bench. At this point in the season, the manager will be happy to have as many bodies as possible as Villa look to end the term on a positive note.
Selection dilemma made easier
The situation may have made Gerrard’s selection dilemma easier as he looks ahead to the Old Gold meeting. Philippe Coutinho and Leon Bailey were both involved in international action during the domestic hiatus, and given the latter’s injury problems, Gerrard may be convinced to leave him on the bench once more.
It all depends on what formation the former Liverpool captain chooses to play, having switched between a 4-3-1-2 and 4-3-3 formation in recent weeks. However, Buendia’s fresh legs may convince him to go with the Argentinian, as was the case against Arsenal. The Villans were perhaps slightly unlucky to lose what was a tight affair against the Gunners, and the setup could help against Wolves.
TIF Verdict…
The positives are clear to see for Gerrard. He now has two important players back earlier than expected, and they could well be amongst the freshest players after not playing over the past 10 days.
While Villa do come into the game on the back of two straight defeats, this weekend’s opponents have lost four of their last six. Regardless of the result, expect a close and fiercely fought encounter.