Unai EmeryImago

Unai Emery is making glaring error ahead of Aston Villa clash vs PSG after trio 'axed'

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

11 Aug 2026, 7:22 pm

Aston Villa are set to be without Ezri Konsa, Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez in their UEFA Super Cup final against PSG on Wednesday.

Reports emerged on Tuesday that Unai Emery has decided against playing the trio, despite naming them in the squad for the final.

The manager has decided to take this step to give the players four weeks off before returning to the club.

Konsa, Watkins and Martinez have not played in any of Villa’s pre-season matches due to them getting to the semi-final and the final of the 2026 World Cup.

However, the decision not to give any of the star’s minutes in the Super Cup final could prove to be a horrific error.

PSG will no doubt be up for the match, and leaving out three massive players could now cost them the trophy.

Unai Emery is throwing away Aston Villa’s chance to win another trophy

The Athletic’s report about Emery’s decision is highly concerning.

While the Super Cup might not be the most prestigious trophy in the UK, it is still a major trophy that is there to be won.

Villa have not lifted many cups in their recent history, with their Europa League triumph earlier this year being their first in 30 years.

Yet, despite being given a chance to win yet another one on Wednesday, Emery is now set to make a catastrophic error.

Despite the current highs at Villa, the club cannot afford to throw away chances to lift cups, and that is exactly what Emery appears to be doing.

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Who else will be out for Villa ahead of the PSG clash?

Reports have claimed that Villa will also be without Johan Manzambi, who is recovering from a knee injury, as well as Leon Bailey, who could soon be leaving the club.

On the positive side, John McGinn has been passed fit after suffering a knee injury last week.

Reports have suggested that a return for the Super Cup final has not been ruled out as the Scotland international looks to captain his club to another trophy.

However, it remains to be seen whether Emery is prepared to risk McGinn in Salzburg as they face perhaps their toughest test of the entire season.

Ollie Watkins