Aston Villa Vs Viking: Emery Rules Out Manzambi For Champions League Tie
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has played down his side's injury concerns ahead of their Champions League clash with Viking, insisting the Villans have no excuses as they chase a third successive European win at Villa Park.
“No Excuses” says Emery downplays Villa injury woes ahead of Viking clash...
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery insists there will be 'no excuses' over his side's injury issues ahead of their Champions League clash with Viking on Wednesday.
Villa had a tough start to the campaign but have turned things around, winning four of their last five games across all competitions, with Johan Manzambi's first-half header earning a 1-0 Premier League victory at Newcastle on Saturday.
However, 21-year-old Switzerland international Manzambi was taken off in the 72nd minute and Emery confirmed on Tuesday that he will miss the Viking game due to a “small injury.”
Manzambi adds to Villa's growing injury list, which includes defenders Matteo Ruggeri and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
“We are accepting of the injuries we had before,” Emery said at his pre-match press conference.
“So many players we had injured in our process here and now we're still having some, like (Amadou) Onana for a long time, like Matteo for more or less two months.
“Coming back and joining us is Ian Maatsen, he’s joined us and is training with us this week.
“Manzambi has a small injury, he's not available for tomorrow. Aaron has an injury as well, more or less we expect three or four weeks.”
The Spaniard added: “We have enough players, no excuses, and tomorrow we'll find solutions in case we need to get our performance, of course, collectively and individually in each position.”
Villa hammered Fenerbahce 6-0 last week and will be targeting a third straight European victory when they welcome Viking to Villa Park.
Unai on the challenge tomorrow night 🗣️ #UCL https://t.co/Glyj2yurt1
— Aston Villa (@AstonVilla) October 20, 2026
The Norwegian side, however, head to Villa Park high on confidence after holding German giants Bayern Munich to a 3-3 draw last week.
“Every team that plays Champions League because they deserve it, and they are dangerous,“ said Emery.
See you tomorrow, Villans 💜 Welcome Unai Emery's team on Trinity Road from approximately 6:30pm 🤝 ➡️ https://t.co/wtlx4kxZgo https://t.co/dxozCskbd7
— Aston Villa (@AstonVilla) October 20, 2026
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