Aston Villa vs Brighton Injury Updates: Key Players Missing and Doubtful Ahead of December 30 Match
Aston Villa will host Brighton & Hove Albion at Villa Park for their final Premier League game of 2024, looking to recover from a disappointing 3-0 loss to Newcastle United on Boxing Day. Villa have been strong at home but have struggled on the road, while Brighton are just two points behind Villa in the standings, with the match offering an opportunity for Villa to move up to sixth.
Here’s the latest injury and team news for both sides ahead of the clash:
Aston Villa Team News
Jhon Duran and Matty Cash will both miss the match. Duran is serving a three-game suspension after receiving a red card for an incident involving Fabian Schar, which Villa unsuccessfully appealed. Cash, meanwhile, is banned for one match due to accumulating five yellow cards.
Jacob Ramsey remains a doubt but is pushing hard to return after a month-long absence due to a hamstring injury. Villa’s head coach, Unai Emery, mentioned in his press conference, “He is close to being in the squad, to be available to play. We have Saturday and Sunday preparing. The last training session he did normally with the team, and hopefully, he will be in the squad for Monday.”
Out: Jhon Duran, Matty Cash
Doubt: Jacob Ramsey
Brighton & Hove Albion Team News
Danny Welbeck is likely out for the rest of the year due to an ankle injury. Brighton are awaiting specialist advice on how to manage his recovery.
James Milner hasn’t played since the end of August due to a hamstring injury, with no clear return date yet.
Ferdi Kadioglu and Jack Hinshelwood are slight doubts for the match. Brighton’s head coach, Fabian Hurzeler, stated on December 19: “I hope they are back quickly, and I also have the feeling they are back soon. But I can’t give you a clear timeframe. They are training on the pitch, they are doing rehab, and I am sure it won’t take too long.”
Evan Ferguson was absent in Brighton’s last match and remains a doubt. There has been talk of a possible loan move for him.
Adam Webster has been out since October but could return soon.
Out: Danny Welbeck, James Milner
Doubt: Ferdi Kadioglu, Jack Hinshelwood, Evan Ferguson, Adam Webster
