Unai Emery Provides Update on Tyrone Mings' Injury Ahead of Celtic Clash

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has provided an update on Tyrone Mings' injury and expressed confidence in his squad's versatility ahead of their Champions League clash against Celtic.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery addressed the media ahead of his team's Champions League clash against Celtic on Wednesday night. Emery provided an update on the status of injured defender Tyrone Mings, stating, “We will see (about Tyrone Mings) this afternoon, we are going to train and decide on every player for the match tomorrow.” He also mentioned that Lamare Bogarde, who has played and helped the team, is training as a centre-back and will need to be ready, but the club is considering letting him leave on loan to gain more experience.

🗣️ "It's very good to enjoy football like that, very deep football."

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— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 28, 2025

Emery emphasized that Bogarde needs more experience to be ready to play with Aston Villa, saying, “He needs more experience to be ready to play with us.” When asked about the squad's versatility in case Mings is sidelined for an extended period, Emery expressed confidence in his players. “We have enough players to compete and feel confident. Some versatile players have to feel comfortable when they are playing,” he said.

Emery highlighted the experience and adaptability of certain players, such as Lucas Digne, who can play as a centre-back if needed. “With Lucas Digne, he is an experienced player and he can feel confident playing as a centre-back in case we need like Sunday,” Emery noted. He reiterated his faith in the squad, saying, “I am analysing everything, if Tyrone Mings is available he will play. I believe in the squad we have. We have injured players but this is something everyone has.”

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery shared his thoughts on facing Celtic, a prestigious Scottish club, in the Champions League on Wednesday night. Emery acknowledged the significance of the match, saying, “They are a very prestigious club. We have 13 points with the possibility to be in the top eight and we are doing fantastic in the Champions League this year.” He expressed pride in his team's performance, even in defeat, stating, “Even when we lost at Monaco we played in the way I want.”

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Emery emphasized the importance of the match, not just for the team but also for the supporters. “Tomorrow is a big incentive. It is a special match for the supporters. I played in the Champions League against them with another club,” he said. When asked if he would be keeping an eye on results from other matches, Emery focused on his team's performance, saying, “I want to be active and play and enjoy the way. In case, if we are, we will see.”

Emery expressed his desire to finish in the top eight, but acknowledged that it's not entirely in their hands. “Of course, I want to be in the top eight. Last week I was a bit pessimistic, after the match against Monaco, but overall we are doing a fantastic way. It’s not in our hands but other teams as well have to win tomorrow and I want to play the match, enjoy it with our supporters, we are excited and motivated. The players are enjoying it in the Champions League,” he said. Emery concluded by saying, “At the end of the match we will watch the other results.”