Aston Villa to face Al Ain in friendly amid international absences

The match, set to kick off at 22.00 CET, serves as a valuable opportunity for the squad to stay sharp during the international break.

However, Villa will be without several key first-team players who are currently away representing their national teams.

This means Unai Emery is likely to use the match to give valuable minutes to squad players and emerging talents, allowing them to showcase their abilities in a competitive setting.

With domestic football on pause, the friendly will help Aston Villa maintain rhythm and fitness ahead of their return to Premier League and European action. Facing a strong Al Ain side—one of the most successful clubs in Emirati football—also presents a useful test for those looking to stake a claim for more regular involvement in the first team.