Aston Villa could have a patchwork defence for Sunday’s clash against Manchester United.

Ezri Konsa will not play for Aston Villa this weekend against Manchester United in the Premier League, according to Unai Emery.

The 26-year-old defender sustained an injury during the team’s most recent 5-0 victory against Sheffield United, meaning his run of 61 consecutive league appearances will come to an end at Villa Park on Sunday. In the second half, Konsa ran into the post and had to be replaced at Bramall Lane.

Konsa will be out for a few weeks, Emery said ahead of Villa’s FA Cup fourth-round replay against Chelsea on Wednesday night.

“Ezri has an injury,” he clarified. “He will not be accessible due to a sprained knee. I’m not sure, maybe three or four weeks.

Better news for the Villans, though, is that Pau Torres, a £33 million summer acquisition, might be available for Sunday’s Premier League matchup versus United.

“Pau Torres has started training with the group and he is going to be on the bench tomorrow,” Emery stated. Jhon Duran is still hurt, though. “Lucas Digne is making excellent progress, but he won’t be available tomorrow,” he said.

With Konsa out, Villa should start Matty Cash at right back and Diego Carlos at the centre of defence with either Torres or Clement Lenglet. With Digne out, Alex Moreno ought to continue at left back.

The only United players sidelined due to injury are Lisandro Martinez and Anthony Martial. Following his medial collateral ligament injury on Sunday in the 3-0 victory over West Ham United, it was reported on Monday that the latter will be sidelined for at least eight weeks. Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are gaining ground on returns to the side.

Although United is eight points behind Villa in fourth place going into the game, they have improved recently with the return of several important players from injuries. In 2024, the Red Devils have triumphed four times in a row.