Full Aston Villa squad available to Unai Emery against Newcastle as seven ruled out

Aston Villa travel to Newcastle today ahead of their opening match of the new Premier League season against Eddie Howe’s side on Saturday.

Unai Emery was handed a big blow on the eve of the new campaign after Emi Buendia sustained a serious knee injury in training and will spend a lengthy period of time on the sidelines. Speaking of the 26-year-old’s injury, Emery said: “It’s the worst in football for the player, for us, for the club, for the teammates. Last year we had Diego Carlos, it was different. Yesterday, it was the last action in the training he [Buendia] had an injury.

“He is now visiting the doctors to take the best decision, but it’s a ligament concern. Of course, now, we have to support him and try to recover as soon as possible.”

Buendia is one of seven players who Villa will be without this weekend, as Emery’s side finalise their preparations for the match against Newcastle.