It was their first top-flight setback since the legendary Boxing Day encounter at Old Trafford, when United battled back from two goals behind to win 3-2.

The Reds have welcomed several first-team players back from injury in the intervening six weeks, but Lisandro Martinez has returned to the treatment table after damaging his knee against West Ham United on Sunday.Licha will regrettably be out for at least eight weeks, but we do have other options in center defence.

Harry Maguire paired Martinez during our victory over the Hammers, while Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof—the latter returning after two months out with a groin issue—came on as replacements.

Sofyan Amrabat was back in the matchday squad following his Africa Cup of Nations exploits with Morocco, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka is likely to be the next Red in line for a comeback.

The right-back hasn’t participated since the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur owing to a leg injury, but Erik ten Hag suggested he is on his way back and only narrowly missed out on facing the Hammers at the weekend.

Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount are back practicing on the grass individually, while Anthony Martial is undergoing rehabilitation following groin surgery and is not expected to feature until April.

Licha will regrettably be out for at least eight weeks, but we do have other options in center defence.

Harry Maguire paired Martinez during our victory over the Hammers, while Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof—the latter returning after two months out with a groin issue—came on as replacements.

Sofyan Amrabat was back in the matchday squad following his Africa Cup of Nations exploits with Morocco, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka is likely to be the next Red in line for a comeback.

The right-back hasn’t participated since the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur owing to a leg injury, but Erik ten Hag suggested he is on his way back and only narrowly missed out on facing the Hammers at the weekend.

Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount are back practicing on the grass individually, while Anthony Martial is undergoing rehabilitation following groin surgery and is not expected to feature until April.

Sunday’s hosts will also be missing a vital defender, as Ezri Konsa damaged his knee during their 5-0 away hammering of Sheffield United.

Konsa, who was called up by England for the first time in the autumn, has started all 23 of his club’s top-flight games this year, but now joins Tyrone Mings, Emi Buendia, and Jhon Duran on Emery’s list of absentees.

Diogo Carlos and Clement Lenglet could link up at the back, as they did at Old Trafford, although Pau Torres is angling for a comeback following injury, as is full-back Lucas Digne, who hasn’t played since hurting himself during our December 26 game.

Villa face Chelsea at home tonight (Wednesday) in an Emirates FA Cup fourth-round replay, and there could be further updates on their roster following that game.