Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has confirmed that Ezri Konsa will miss the UEFA Super Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain, with the defender linked to Arsenal.
Villa face PSG on Wednesday night at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, a meeting between last season's Europa League and Champions League winners.
Villa's chances of winning a second European trophy in three months have taken a hit, as Konsa is unavailable alongside Emiliano Martinez and Ollie Watkins.
All three players have been linked with moves away from Villa Park this summer, but Emery insists their absences are not related to transfers. He said they are getting extra rest after the World Cup.
"They are not here because they finished the season on July 19 and I gave them four weeks to rest and it is completely necessary," Emery said in the pre-match press conference.
"Of course, if they were here, maybe we will have many more chances, but at the same time, I think PSG will be in same situation as us.
"We will prepare the game with players, even some young players, like we started with four weeks ago. Of course they are favourites."
Konsa is a target for Arsenal, as Mikel Arteta looks to add defensive cover before the transfer window closes. William Saliba and Jurrien Timber are currently sidelined.
Villa's asking price of £60 million is causing a problem, as it does not match Arsenal's valuation of the England international.
Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has also been mentioned as a surprise option, but the Argentine is expected to join Atletico Madrid instead, as Spurs are not willing to deal with their north London rivals.
Arteta discussed Arsenal's transfer plans after the 3-2 pre-season friendly loss to Borussia Dortmund at the weekend, saying fans can expect more signings this summer.
"Well that's what we're trying to do," he told reporters.
"If we have the right player in the market to make us much better, we are very looking forward to that."
Source: www.standard.co.uk — Read the original article
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