No Emiliano Martínez Today in Aston Villa vs Arsenal

No Emiliano Martínez Today in Aston Villa vs Arsenal? Unai Emery Gives UPDATE

Aditya Pimpale

Modified - Dec 06, 2025, 12:55 PM

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No Emiliano Martínez Today in Aston Villa vs Arsenal? Unai Emery Gives UPDATE

Summary

Emiliano Martínez is doubtful for Aston Villa’s clash vs Arsenal, as he continues to struggle with a back injury after pulling out late against Brighton.
Unai Emery says Martínez’s availability will be decided at the last moment, noting the goalkeeper hasn’t trained and must be assessed based on how he feels closer to kickoff.
Marco Bizot is expected to start if Martínez misses out, with Emery praising the Dutch keeper’s professionalism and readiness to step in.

Aston Villa star goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is likely to miss his side’s Premier League fixture against Arsenal on Saturday (Dec 6). Martínez, who pulled out at the last moment in his side’s win over Brighton, has been struggling with a back injury and could now miss the early kickoff on Saturday against his former side. Coach Unai Emery provided an update on the shotstopper, who has already missed four matches this season. Now the question arises, is Emiliano Martínez playing today? Yes, despite not training with the team in a session, Emi Martinez featured in the starting XI for Aston Villa.

Emery provides Update on Martínez

Emiliano Martínez injury was a problem for Aston Villa as the keeper provides extra protection in their defense.

“We will train this afternoon. He didn’t train yesterday, but it is very important for him how the passing hours are to feel better,” Villa boss Emery explained.
“Until the last moment I don’t know if he will be available or not tomorrow.”

In Martínez’s absence, Marco Bizot is expected to keep gloves, having escaped unharmed despite a mistake in Villa’s 4-3 win over Brighton. The Dutch goalie played in Villa’s opening three matches of the season, deputising for Martinez, who was suspended for picking up a red card in the final Premier League fixture of last season against Manchester United.

“We have Marco, and Marco is a fantastic guy and professional,” Emery said. “He accepts his role. He signed here to be the sub of Emi Martinez.
“He is ready when he is available and awaits his moment. He is so mature and responsible.”

Will Martinez’s absence hurt Aston Villa?

Is Emiliano Martínez playing today? The answer to this is although Emi was sidelined with an injury, he is starting against Arsenal. Emi Martinez’s potential absence comes at the wrong time for Villa, who are on a run of seven wins in all competitions.

In Saturday’s fixture, the Birmingham-based side will enter sitting third as they are one of the teams in form. Aston Villa are third with eight wins, three draws and three defeats so far in the campaign and have made a solid start to their Europa League campaign.

A win for Villa will see them within three points of league leaders Arsenal, meaning they will be in the title race despite going winless in their opening five matches. They have won eight of their last nine matches, while their only defeat came against Liverpool during that period.

Arsenal, on the other hand, have lost only one away match in their last 21 outings in the Premier League. The sole defeat for Mikel Arteta’s men came against Liverpool in August, as they are one of the in-form teams in the league. A win for Arsenal will see them open a temporary gap of eight points at the summit with Manchester City in action later on in the day.