Joao Gomes has been excluded from Aston Villa’s squad for tonight’s Carabao Cup match against Coventry City due to some discomfort that prevented his selection. The Brazilian midfielder’s absence comes after a period where many expected him to feature prominently, having recently returned from suspension.
Gomes was sent off for violent conduct on the opening day of the Premier League season, which led to him missing the subsequent three league fixtures against Arsenal, Hull City, and Nottingham Forest. Despite this setback, he was part of the starting line-up in Villa’s sole victory this season, a Champions League win against Club Brugge.
Looking ahead, Aston Villa travel to face Tottenham Hotspur in the capital this Saturday before entering a three-week hiatus for the international break.
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Tonight’s starting XI for Aston Villa reads: Bizot; Wan-Bissaka, Harwood-Bellis, Mings; Ruggeri; Bogarde, Barkley; Mbaye, McGinn, Hemmings; Abraham.
The substitutes bench includes Suzuki, Cash, Lindelof, Kamara, Buendia, Jackson, Garnacho, Manzambi, and Alysson.