Emery: Injuries No Excuse as Aston Villa Host Viking in Champions League
Unai Emery has told his players that injuries are no excuse ahead of Aston Villa’s Champions League tie against Viking on Wednesday, as the club chase a third straight European win.
Villa arrive at the home fixture in fine form. They have won four of their last five matches in all competitions, and Johan Manzambi’s header sealed a 1-0 victory away at Newcastle on Saturday. However, that win came at a cost. The 21-year-old Swiss midfielder was substituted in the 72nd minute and will miss the Viking game with what the club described as a small injury.
Emery also remains without defenders Matteo Ruggeri and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Midfielder Amadou Onana is a long-term absentee, although Ian Maatsen has returned to training and could be involved.
The Villa manager was in defiant mood when asked about the mounting list of absentees. “We are accepting of the injuries we had before,” he said. “We have enough players, no excuses, and tomorrow we’ll find solutions.”
Villa’s European campaign gathers pace
Villa’s form in Europe has been one of the stories of this season’s Champions League. They thrashed Fenerbahce 6-0 last week, and a win over Viking would make it three successive victories on the continental stage.
That run marks a sharp turnaround from earlier in the campaign, when questions were being asked about the club’s ability to compete on two fronts. Emery’s side have answered those questions emphatically, blending attacking firepower with a growing resilience at the back.
Saturday’s win at Newcastle was typical of their recent progress. It was not the most stylish performance, but Manzambi’s header secured all three points and kept Villa in touch near the top of the Premier League table. Losing the midfielder, even briefly, will be a blow given his influence in recent weeks.
Viking pose a genuine threat
Wednesday’s opponents should not be underestimated. Viking drew 3-3 with Bayern Munich last week, a result that showed exactly what they are capable of against Europe’s elite.
The Norwegian side currently sit level with Bodo/Glimt in their domestic league, and Emery is well aware of the danger they carry. “Every team that plays Champions League because they deserve it, and they are dangerous,” he said.
That Bayern result will serve as a warning for Villa. The Norwegian champions went toe to toe with one of the favourites for the competition, and they will arrive in England with genuine belief that they can cause an upset.
Emery’s squad depth faces a real test
With several first-team players sidelined, the coming week will test the depth of Emery’s squad. The Champions League fixture is followed by a return to Premier League action, and the manager will need to rotate carefully.
Maatsen’s return to training is a welcome boost, particularly with two defenders unavailable. Onana’s long-term absence leaves a gap in midfield, but Villa have coped so far and Emery is confident his squad can continue to do so.
The message from the manager is clear. There will be no excuses, whatever the team sheet looks like on Wednesday evening.
Frequently asked questions
When do Aston Villa play Viking?
Aston Villa host Viking in the Champions League on Wednesday, 21 October 2026. The match is the club’s third group-stage fixture of this season’s competition.
Who is injured for Aston Villa?
Johan Manzambi misses the game with a small injury picked up at Newcastle, while Matteo Ruggeri, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Amadou Onana remain sidelined. Ian Maatsen is back in training.
How have Aston Villa fared in the Champions League this season?
Villa thrashed Fenerbahce 6-0 last week and are chasing a third consecutive European win when they face Viking on Wednesday.
