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Emi Martinez Aston Villa 2023-24Getty

Why Argentina World Cup winner Emi Martinez dropped out of Aston Villa line-up for Man City test - explained

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  • Martinez pulls out
  • Robin Olsen takes his place
  • Villa missing several players
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Having been originally named in the Aston Villa line-up as captain, Martinez has withdrawn from their game with City. Robin Olsen steps in to replace the Argentine World Cup-winner. It is just the second league start for the Swede this season.

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  • THE EXPLANATION

    The Argentine goalkeeper misses out through illness. It is unclear what Martinez's exact ailment is, with BT Sport's Laura Woods suggesting a bug of sorts. Whatever it is, it must have come on very quickly given he was set to play an hour before kick-off.

  • WHAT UNAI EMERY SAID

    In his pre-match interview, Villa boss Unai Emery did not mention Martinez, instead hailing Manchester City as "the best team in the world, maybe".

  • Watkins-Aston-VillaGetty

    WHAT NEXT FOR VILLA?

    Villa face a serious task getting anything from the Etihad Stadium, with several key absentees. Alongside Martinez, Ollie Watkins and Jacob Ramsey are out with injury and John McGinn is suspended. Pau Torres and Leon Bailey are also not in from the start.