Team news for Chelsea clash

Aston Villa will be without Evann Guessand for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Chelsea (ko 5.30pm).

The wide man, who featured as a late substitute in last weekend’s win over Manchester United, is unavailable having been called up by Ivory Coast for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Loanee Jadon Sancho, who spent last season at Stamford Bridge, is expected to return to contention having been ineligible to face parent club United last time out.

Defensive duo Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings, as well as midfielder Ross Barkley, remain sidelined for the clash against Chelsea.

“We have the same players,” said manager Unai Emery at the Boxing Day press conference at Bodymoor Heath.  

“We are training and we were playing last week, only adding Guessand after he left with his national team.

“Players who were injured are still injured.

“Other players are ready and hopefully tomorrow as well, in normal process to play.”