Emi Martinez's hand injury update after playing through pain barrier to help Aston Villa
Aston Villa won 3-1 against Brentford on Wednesday night and Emi Martinez, which might've surprised some, was able to continue in goal
Emiliano Martinez's wife Mandinha expressed her pride in her husband after watching him play through the pain barrier to help Aston Villa secure a much needed victory over Brentford at Villa Park on Wednesday evening.
Martinez, to the surprise of some, was named in Villa's starting XI by Unai Emery, despite being forced off with a hand injury in the heavy defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Swede Robin Olsen replaced him in London and was primed to be recalled to the starting XI, but Martinez was given the green light to continue in goal.
Clearly not 100%, Martinez did his bit as Villa ended their winless run, which had extended to eight matches in all competitions at Chelsea. He watched from the other end of the pitch as Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins - via the penalty spot - and Matty Cash fired Villa into a comfortable half time lead. Brentford did respond through Mikkel Damsgaard in the second half.
READ: Matty Cash reveals Steven Gerrard inspiration after ending Aston Villa goal drought
READ: Thomas Frank makes 'unstoppable' comment after watching Aston Villa up close
Mandinha posted a photo of herself in attendance with her daughter and added: "We were so tired today but we came for you! I know that you pushed yourself today to play for your club, I know that hand still hurts but this is why you are the best in the world. We are so proud of you."
Reports emerged out of his native Argentina earlier this week that Martinez had broken a bone in his hand and that he might need anywhere between two and four weeks on the sidelines to recover, threatening his participation in Villa's Christmas schedule, but there was all-round relief when the serial Yashin winner was named in the side just three days after his withdrawal at Chelsea.
Where will Villa finish in the Premier League this season? Tell us HERE
Black Friday is an annual shopping event of massive discounts. You can check out all the latest Black Friday weekend bargains and offers here.
Amazon's Prime Video is broadcasting the Premier League Boxing Day round of fixtures on December 26-27.
Each match can be streamed free with an Amazon Prime subscription or by signing up for an Amazon Prime 30-day free trial.