Unai Emery has confirmed Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa and Emi Martinez will miss Aston Villa’s meeting with PSG after not travelling to Salzburg, while Matteo Ruggeri is close to joining in a €25 million plus €1.5 million deal and Villa are also linked with Joao Palhinha.
PSG go into the Super Cup with Luis Enrique unsure of his players’ fitness and readiness, potentially offering Villa encouragement before Salzburg.
Emery said Watkins, Konsa and Martinez will miss PSG after not travelling to Salzburg, with Villa granting the trio extra time off following summer international duty.
Preview backs Villa to beat PSG 2-1 in Salzburg, citing better fitness. It flags possible debuts for Garnacho and Joao Gomes, with Watkins, Konsa and Martinez doubts.
Emery labelled PSG favourites for the Super Cup, while confirming Martinez, Konsa and Watkins did not travel. He also hinted Villa could still move in the market.
Matteo Ruggeri has agreed personal terms with Villa in a €25m plus €1.5m deal, and is set to fly to Birmingham for a medical after Atletico Madrid accepted the move.
John McGinn insists Villa can keep competing in the Premier League and Europe despite summer departures and another squad reshuffle under Emery.
Villa are reported to be leading talks for Joao Palhinha after making an ‘unmatchable’ offer as Emery rebuilds midfield following Tielemans’ exit and Onana’s injury.
Predicted Villa line-ups for the Super Cup feature Bizot, Cash, Torres, Kamara, McGinn, Buendia and Abraham, with Gomes and Garnacho also tipped to start.
Villa are named as a likely destination for a West Ham player, with Emery and Everton’s David Moyes reportedly competing for the signing
