Aston Villa head to Dubai as Unai Emery plots glorious finish

Villa will spend the next few days away from Bodymoor Heath after jetting out to the UAE last night.

Though Emery is working with a considerably reduced squad, due to international call-ups, the boss believes the change of scenery and warmer climate will help players relax and refocus ahead of a much-anticipated run-in. 

Many of those making the trip have only recently returned from injury, including Matty Cash, Pau Torres and record signing Amadou Onana. Defenders Axel Disasi and Tyrone Mings are also part of the travelling party.

"I know we are going to have some players with their national teams," Emery said. 

"Our plan is to keep 10 to 12 players and work with them a little bit, trying to focus for four days out of here, preparing for the next month."

Villa have played 17 matches since the turn of the year and face a run of seven games in 21 days following the international break, starting with an FA Cup quarter-final at Preston on March 30.

Emery’s men also face Paris Saint-Germain over two legs in the Champions League quarter-finals, along with crucial Premier League matches against Brighton, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle.

Villa, who did not play at the weekend due to Liverpool’s involvement in the Carabao Cup final, are just four points behind fourth-placed Chelsea in the table.