Aston Villa are set to be without their World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez on Boxing Day against Liverpool.
Shot-stopper Martinez is poised to stay in South America on extended leave after Argentina beat France to lift the World Cup in Qatar. Martinez played a starring role in the triumph as Argentina won a penalty shoot-out against France in the final.
The ex-Arsenal ace,30, who has 26 caps, also made a vital last-gasp save with his leg in stoppage time of extra-time as the thriller finished 3-3.