Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez came off at half-time at Crystal Palace
Unai Emery has confirmed that Emi Martinez will miss Aston Villa’s FA Cup third-round tie against Tottenham Hotspur due to injury, but has revealed the goalkeeper wanted to play on against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.
The goalkeeper was dealing with a calf issue before the 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace, but was unable to continue after half-time.
He was replaced by Marco Bizot, who made his ninth appearance of the season and helped Villa preserve a clean sheet.
Speaking ahead of Villa’s match against Tottenham, Emery explained that Martinez wanted to continue playing into the second half, but it was decided that it wasn’t worth risking aggravating his injury.
“He is really being in the commitment we need of him,” the Villa boss explained. “He played on Wednesday knowing he has a small injury and he did the effort to play.
“For him it is easier to decide not to play, but he played. The first half he was not feeling good.
“It was his choice to play the second half, but because he is in the risk to get the worse injury, we decided with the doctor to stop him.
“He is helping the team, and now I am happy with him. I am seeing him like I want. After last summer, it was difficult for everybody and him as well. Now I can face him and see his eyes and trust him.”
Bizot has impressed when called on, even at late notice, having also played from the off against Feyenoord when Martinez suffered an injury the warm-up.
“Marco is fantastic. Like Olsen, to be the sub of Olsen is not easy,” Emery said. “Being ready to play when we need him is fantastic.
“Even more when Martinez tries to play, but can’t. Marco, knowing it, has to be ready to play or not and perform in the level we need. How he is doing, and the respect he has in the dressing room, is really fantastic.”
This weekend’s opponents, Spurs, have progressed from 18 of their last 19 FA Cup third-round ties, advancing in each of the last 11 campaigns since a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in the 2013–14 season.
Villa, meanwhile, have won their last two FA Cup third-round matches, having been eliminated at this stage in each of the previous seven campaigns.
Emery’s side also beat Tottenham earlier this season, coming from behind to secure a 2-1 victory in the capital.