Emery Leaves World Cup Stars Out of Super Cup Match Against PSG

Aston Villa head into the UEFA Super Cup without some of their biggest names, as Unai Emery chooses rest over risk for three of his World Cup finalists.

Emiliano Martinez, fresh from the emotional high and crushing low of another World Cup run with Argentina, has not been called up for Wednesday night’s clash with Paris Saint-Germain at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg. The goalkeeper played in the 2026 World Cup final on 19 July in New Jersey, where Argentina fell 1-0 to Spain after extra time.

He is not alone on the sidelines.

Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins, both key figures in Villa’s rise under Emery, have also been left out after their own deep run at the tournament with England. Gareth Southgate’s side finished third, edging a wild 6-4 third-place play-off against France on 18 July in Miami.

“I gave them four weeks of holiday, and it was really necessary.”

The message is obvious: this season is a marathon, not a sprint.

With Martinez out, the spotlight swings onto his deputy. Marco Bizot, the 35-year-old Dutchman, is expected to start in goal against PSG. It is a sizeable assignment for the experienced keeper, stepping in against one of Europe’s most dangerous attacks on a neutral stage.

Back in Argentina, reports suggest Villa fans will not have to wait long to see their World Cup winner again. Local media indicate Martinez is due to rejoin the squad soon and should be ready for the Premier League opener against Brighton on 23 August.

Before that, Villa have one final tune-up: a friendly against Borussia Monchengladbach next Saturday. The Super Cup, then, becomes both a shot at silverware and a stress test of the squad’s depth, with three World Cup-weary stars watching from afar.