Team news for Liverpool clash

Emi Martínez will be unavailable for Aston Villa’s Boxing Day clash against Liverpool at Villa Park.

The goalkeeper helped Argentina celebrate World Cup success with victory over France in the final last weekend, bringing a memorable end to their quest for glory in Qatar.

Villa head coach Emery now wants Martínez to rest following the emotions of a gruelling World Cup campaign, with the Golden Glove winner expected back at Bodymoor Heath next week.

Fellow stopper Robin Olsen is expected to be fit to face the Reds, but the encounter will come too soon for midfielder Jacob Ramsey.

“We are so proud of him, he won the World Cup with his national team and it’s amazing,” said Emery at Friday’s pre-match press conference.

“I think fans of Aston Villa must be very proud of him and he is coming back next week.

“But I want him to rest now because after the big emotion, after the hard work he did, he has to have some days off to rest.

“Next week he is coming back to start with us.”

Regarding the availability of Olsen, Emery added: “We are working with him and we are working with the young goalkeepers.

“The idea is to start with Olsen, he is here to replace Emiliano or to compete with him.

“He has a small problem, but I think he is going to train tomorrow as normal and if nothing changes, he is going to be ready on Monday.”

Ramsey has missed four of Villa’s five mid-season fixtures due to a hamstring injury sustained during the break in domestic action.

Boss Emery says the England Under-21 midfielder will be absent for the encounter against Liverpool, but hopes to have him back in the next couple of weeks.

“His injury came before we went to Dubai, he didn’t play the friendly matches but now he is starting to train on the pitch,” said the Spaniard.

“I think he is going to be ready, maybe, in 10 days or two weeks.

“But for the match on Monday, he’s not available.

“It’s a pity for us because he was a very, very good performer before the World Cup and is an important player.”