Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is determined to avoid using his squad’s injury problems as an excuse ahead of their Champions League tie at home to Viking on Wednesday. Villa endured a difficult start to the season but have won four of their last five matches in all competitions, with Johan Manzambi’s first-half header securing a 1-0 Premier League win at Newcastle on Saturday.
But 21-year-old Switzerland international Manzambi was substituted in the 72nd minute and Emery said Tuesday he will play no part against Viking because of a “small injury”.
“Viking drew against Bayern Munich last week, they lost against Stuttgart. “Viking are a new team as well with the capacity to draw with Bayern Munich and compete against Stuttgart and compete against us tomorrow. They are with Bodo/Glimt in the league first and second with the same points. This is the Champions League and it is very difficult.”
But the Norwegian side arrive at Villa Park buoyed by a 3-3 draw with German giants Bayern Munich last week.
“We are accepting of the injuries we had before,” Emery told a pre-match press conference.
“Every team that plays Champions League because they deserve it, and they are dangerous,” said Emery.
