Unai Emery says he has become more ruthless in his team selection in a bid to end Villa’s chronic injury concerns.

Emery confirmed Pau Torres and Ross Barkley both remain out through injury, while Matty Cash is close and will be assessed on Thursday. Tyrone Mings, Emiliano Martinez, Amadou Onana, Boubacar Kamara and Donyell Malen are also all doubts for the game.

Unai Emery has admitted he does not know the reason behind Aston Villa’s ongoing injury struggles this season. Villa have now had a player substituted in the first half due to injury in each of their last five games and eight of the last 11,

The clash with Cardiff is Villa's fifth game in 14 days and they have a depleted squad, with a host of players either injured or doubts.

Aston Villa supporters have been having their say after their side were thrashed 4-1 by Crystal Palace on Tuesday night. Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring for the hosts, with Morgan Rogers briefly restoring parity at the start of the second half. However, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Sarr’s second put the Eagles back in total control at Selhurst Park.

Emery is getting more out of Rashford because he is putting the forward in situations where he knows he can create something which allows him to thrive. It also helps that the fire in Rashford’s belly has been ignited - he looks like a player determined to prove a point.

Rashford's switch came after being sidelined by United's head coach Ruben Amorim, but Emery, an ardent admirer of the England striker, was the key figure in securing his services.

Villa's marquee January signings made all the difference in turning a 1-0 deficit into a precious 2-1 win over Chelsea

Marcus Rashford has burst into life at Aston Villa and two England legends have praised him for having a smile back on his face