McGinn, Duran, Martinez, Carlos: Aston Villa injury news and expected return dates ahead of Everton showdown

Aston Villa will look to bridge the gap between themselves and the Champions League places when they take on Premier League strugglers Everton in a crucial game at both ends of the table.

Villa sit eighth in the league table and four points behind Chelsea in the race for fourth, while Everton after failing to win a league game in more than a month, sit 16th and just a point clear of the drop zone.

Unai Emery’s side fell to costly defeats against the likes of Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle in an inconsistent end to 2024, but have so far started this calendar year in style with victories over Leicester City in the league and West Ham in the FA Cup.

The Villans, who came out on top in an entertaining 3-2 win in September, are desperate to maintain their improved run of form against an Everton side who welcome David Moyes back to the dugout for the first time since his exit in 2013.

Everton vs Aston Villa is the most played fixture in English league history, but this clash in particular has added significance with it being the final match between the pair at the iconic Goddison Park stadium.

Villa, after avoiding a new manager bounce last time out against West Ham, are expected to name a strong team for the clash, but who will be missing from Wednesday’s contest, here’s all you need to know.

Aston Villa injury news and return dates

Pau Torres - Out

Spanish defender Pau Torres misses out with foot injury that he sustained in the early moments of a 2-2 draw with Brighton.

“Maybe he needs another 6-8 weeks more.” Unai Emery said in the build-up to this week’s contest. Estimated return date: 08/03/2025

Ross Barkley - Out

Ross Barkely, who netted the winner against Leicester City, misses out with a calf injury. He is expected to return to action at the start of next month. Estimated return date: 01/02/2025

John McGinn - Out

Another key absentee in the middle of the pitch, John McGinn misses out with a thigh injury.

“McGinn will need another one-week minimum to be close with us, training and being available to play.” Said Unai Emery. Expected return date: 26/01/2025

Jhon Duran - returns

Colombian wonderkid Jhon Duran returns after serving a suspension for his red card in the 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United in December. Expected return date: 15/01/2025

WATCH:Which wonderkids have impressed our expert panel? And why are some clubs getting more out of young players than others?

Diego Carlos - Doubt

Brazilian defender Diego Carlos is a doubt for the Everton test as speculation surrounding his future continues to intensify. He suffered an ankle injury in late December and faces a late fitness test. Expected return date: 15/01/2025

Emiliano Martinez - returns

World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez is expected to return after what Unai Emery described as a ‘small injury.’

'He was injured. It’s a small injury. He was not 100 per cent ready to play. We decided to play Robin Olsen... I think [he can return on Wednesday], but we will need to check him more.” Unai Emery explained. Expected return date: 15/01/2025