getty images

Why Is Emiliano Martinez Not Playing Tonight For Aston Villa Vs Newcastle United?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Farah Ben Gamra | Last updated Aug 16, 2025 9:03 AM ET

Aston Villa start their Premier League season against Newcastle United tonight but one player will be notably missing: Emiliano Martínez.

The Argentine goalkeeper has been an important figure for Villa in recent years but will not be playing tonight, not because of injury but because of a one-game suspension carried over from last season. This early-season blow means Villa will start the campaign without their number one goalkeeper and Marco Bizot will make his Premier League debut.

Martínez’s suspension is due to the red card he picked up in the final game of the 2024/25 season, the 2-0 defeat to Manchester United, for a foul on Rasmus Højlund. Premier League rules state that suspensions for red cards carry over into the next season so he’s not available for tonight’s game.

Emiliano Martinez is suspended for one match only - not three - despite some suggestions to the contrary, the club confirmed today per @johntownley11.#AVFC pic.twitter.com/L05bvpXsTj
— Aston Villa Statto (@AVFCStatto) August 15, 2025

Is Emiliano Martinez Injured?

Just to clarify, Martínez is fit and ready to play. His absence tonight is purely disciplinary. In his place Marco Bizot will make his debut after joining the team this summer and get his chance to impress and make a name for himself in the Premier League.

Villa fans will be keen to see how Bizot deals with the responsibility of guarding the net against Newcastle’s attack.

On another note, Martínez’s suspension has also reignited talk of his future at Villa Park. Reports suggest interest from Manchester United and Atlético Madrid but sources say Martínez wants to stay in Europe rather than move mid-career.

As Aston Villa start their 2025/26 season without one of their key players all eyes will be on Marco Bizot to see if he can get Villa off to a good start despite being without their star goalkeeper.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: