Opponent Watch: Key Aston Villa superstar set to miss Liverpool clash

Aston Villa shot-stopper Emiliano Martinez set to miss Liverpool clash

According to the Mirror, Aston Villa shot-stopper Emiliano Martinez

is set to miss out on the boxing day clash against Liverpool as he is not expected to be back yet.

Martinez is coming off arguably one of the best weeks of his career having just lifted the World Cup trophy with Argentina. The Aston Villa man also won the golden glove for his heroics in the tournament.

Martinez had an excellent World Cup final against France and it is safe to say that if not for him, Les Blues would have defended their crown in 2018 and Argentina would have had a heartbreak yet again.

The 29-year-old goalie pulled off a 120th-minute save against France when Kolo Muani was one on one against him if not for which, there would never have been a penalty shootout in the first place.

The Aston Villa man’s antics during the shootout meant that France could not get past Argentina with Martinez saving Kingsley Coman’s penalty and also doing enough to make sure Aurelian Tchouameni shot wide.

Considering he is coming off such a high, Liverpool will be glad that their opponents will be without the World Cup winner. It would give the Reds confidence going into their game against Unai Emery’s side.

Martinez is not expected to return to England by Monday and in his absence, it is highly likely that Robin Olsen will take his place between the sticks. The Reds will be hoping to make a winning start.

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It’s always welcome news that a goalie like Emiliano Martinez will not be playing against us. However, even otherwise, Liverpool must find a way to win and let’s hope we put in a performance to remember against Villa.