Emery on team news, Lindelof level and transfer window

Unai Emery said Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are close to returning while Ross Barkley, Evann Guessand and Amadou Onana are unavailable; he praised Vitor Lindelof's performances and said he had no transfer updates to share.

Unai Emery spoke to the media ahead of Aston Villa's Premier League visit to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. He gave an update on squad availability and commented on recent signings and the January transfer window. Emery said Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are close to returning but he will decide after Tuesday's training whether they will be available. He added that Ross Barkley, Evann Guessand and Amadou Onana are not available for the match. Match and squad notes: - Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are described as "close" and a final availability decision will follow Tuesday's training session. - Ross Barkley, Evann Guessand and Amadou Onana are all out of the Crystal Palace match. - Emery said he contacted Juan Mata before signing Vitor Lindelof and praised Lindelof as professional and respectful. - Lindelof has adapted to playing on the right side and stepped in after Villa's injuries at centre-back. - Emery said he had no updates to give on the January transfer window and insisted it was not a distraction. - He described Villa as being in good form but warned of the challenge posed by Palace's tactics at Selhurst Park. Summary: Emery will assess Mings and Torres at Tuesday's training before confirming their availability for the fixture. He praised Vitor Lindelof's adaptation and said the player has set a performance standard within the squad. The manager said he had no transfer news to share and that the January window was not distracting the team. Undetermined at this time.