Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez in action with Newcastle United's Callum Wilson
Football Insider pundit Tam McManus believes that Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez ‘could be out more long term’ after he stayed on briefly against Newcastle United in their Premier League clash.
The Lowdown: Head injury
The 30-year-old once again started for Villa last weekend but was forced off inside the opening 45 minutes with a head injury.
The Argentine collided with centre-back Tyrone Mings and initially carried on after being examined by Villa’s medical team. However, Martinez went down again shortly after and was brought off for Robin Olsen.
Aaron Danks admitted after the game that Villa’s first-choice ‘keeper was fine in the changing rooms, but McManus thinks those extra minutes on the pitch could be costly in terms of the Argentine’s availability.
The Latest: McManus’ comments
Talking to Football Insider regarding the incident with Martinez, McManus said that the goalkeeper ‘could be out more long term’ after staying on following the ‘blow’ to the head.
The former Hibernian striker said: “That’s really dangerous. We don’t seem to have it in the same way the NFL have it over in America.
“He clearly took a blow to the head and you just have to take him off. I know he’s the captain and arguably their best but he needed proper medical attention.
“He probably said he wanted to play on, all players say that but the way he went down ten minutes later shows that the physios sometimes have to overrule the player.
“I think the Villa physios will look back at the whole situation and admit they got it wrong. It’s just so dangerous.
“He could be out more long term now because he stayed on for those extra minutes. These things matter.”
The Verdict: One to watch
You’d expect that new Villa manager Unai Emery will be quizzed on Martinez’s condition ahead of his first game in charge against Manchester United this weekend.
The Spaniard will more than likely want the 30-year-old to feature, but after going off last weekend, Villa may need to be careful, especially with Martinez set to represent his country at the World Cup later this month.
Hopefully he will be 100% fit for the finals for Qatar and able to feature for Villa before the tournament gets underway, but as McManus states, the fine margins could make a difference.
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