Unai Emery provides major injury update on Aston Villa star ahead of crucial Manchester United clash
Unai Emery has declared “Villa know best” over Youri Tielemans’ fitness after revealing the midfielder could play in Sunday’s crucial match at Manchester United.
Tielemans trained on Friday for the first time since sustaining a calf injury earlier this month and is poised to be in the squad at Old Trafford provided he comes through Saturday’s final session unscathed.
The Belgium international’s return comes just days after his national team boss, Rudi Garcia, suggested Emery was responsible for the recent injury by playing him too much.
But when asked about those comments, the Villa boss countered: “Maybe other people can’t have the same information we have every day here, to make our decision.”
Tielemans has enjoyed a superb year and was this week named both players’ and supporters’ player of the season.
The 28-year-old was the only Villa player to start every Premier League match before missing the last two with injury.
Villa head to United seeking the win which could give them a strong chance of finishing in the top-five and making a Champions League return.
Having Tielemans available would be a huge boost and Emery said: “He trained today, the first day he trained with the group, and tomorrow, he'll train again.
“If he's feeling good and comfortable, more or less, without some doubt, he will be with the team and the squad for Sunday."
The boss continued: “I am focused of course, how he is doing the process with us, this year and last year.
“We have very good professional coaches and physios and doctors here and we are always extremely demanding to choose how we are playing with the players.
“Always, I am respecting the national team but Youri Tielemans’ commitment every day he is here, his performances, his process here with us is always very clear. I am so, so happy with him.”
