Why isn’t Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez playing for Aston Villa against Manchester City in the Premier League?

Emiliano Martínez has proven to be one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League and indeed the world in recent seasons but he won’t have the chance to showcase his talents against Manchester City on Wednesday.

Why was Martínez replaced by Robin Olsen just before kick-off away to Manchester City?

The Argentina goalkeeper was initially included in Unai Emery’s starting line-up for the Game at the Etihad, as revealed by Villa’s social media team around an hour prior to kick-off. However, they later issued an update saying back-up Robin Olsen would be starting in his place, with illness given as the reason for Martínez dropping out.

Martínez a late bloomer for Villa and Argentina

The 31-year-old has been a stand-out performer for Aston Villa since moving from Arsenal in the summer of 2020.

He played every single Premier League fixture in 2020/21, before missing two Games each in the following two seasons. Before Wednesday, he had missed just one match (against Burnley in August) in the league, but was an unused substitute for two Europa Conference League group stage fixtures and the League Cup loss to Everton.

Martínez’s biggest achievements in his career have, of course, come at international level. After winning the 2021 Copa América with Argentina, he received a number of individual awards (Yashin Trophy, The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper, FIFA World Cup Golden Glove) after lifting the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with his country.