EMI MARTINEZ looks set to miss Aston Villa’s Boxing Day clash against Liverpool as he is yet to return from Argentina.
The goalkeeper has been at the centre of wild World Cup celebrations following the penalty shootout win over France on Sunday.
Martinez, 30, was due to hold talks with Aston Villa boss Unai Emery over his return after the game, according to the Mail.
However, the club are yet to confirm whether the stopper will be available to play against Liverpool.
It’s claimed the game at Villa Park will come too early for Martinez, who is still in talks with the club.
Instead the New Year’s Day trip to Tottenham seems to be a more likely return fixture for Martinez.
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Aston Villa gave all of their World Cup representatives a week off when their respective tournaments ended.
Their return to Premier League action on Boxing Day comes eight days after the World Cup final win over France.
Martinez has been enjoying the celebrations after helping Argentina to victory on Sunday.
He made a crucial save late in extra-time to deny Randal Kolo Muani before stopping Kingsley Coman’s penalty in the shootout and seeing Aurelien Tchouameni fire wide.
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Martinez then taunted France ace Kylian Mbappe by holding a doll with the attacker’s face on it during the celebrations back in Argentina.
He also held a minute’s silence for the “dead” Mbappe in the dressing room.
A French minister has claimed Fifa should investigate Martinez and Argentina fans that abused Mbappe.
Martinez, who won the Golden Glove at the World Cup, has been linked with a move away from Villa following his stunning performances in Qatar.
His agent hinted that the goalie is targeting a Champions League move in the future.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
