Emery on Malan, 'fantastic' Mings and Arsenal

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Arsenal (kick-off 17:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• It is possible new signing Donyell Malan could be involved at Emirates Stadium.

• Emery praised the versatility of the Dutch forward: "He is used to playing as a seven, sometimes as an 11 on the left, but he can also play as a number 10. He's always close to the opponent's net to score and assist goals. We need a player like him to be a threat to the opponent in behind."

• The Villa boss did not rule out a January exit for Diego Carlos, but said that if someone left, they "have to sign another player to replace them."

• The Brazil defender "is not feeling good" so is expected to miss tomorrow's game along with Pau Torres, John McGinn and Ross Barkley.

• On fellow centre-back Tyrone Mings: "[He is] fantastic - how he is progressively helping the team, his attitude and commitment to the club. Last year and at the beginning of this season, he was not feeling 100%. When he came in for Pau Torres, it was his moment and now he is helping the team."

• The defender has played every minute in the past three games and Emery warned Villa "have to be careful".

• He said he wants the defender to stay at Aston Villa "for a long time", adding: "Very happy with his attitude and commitment - he is a leader of other players. He is very important for the direction of the squad with the message we want for the players about being demanding here at Aston Villa."

• On Villa's first visit to title-chasing Arsenal since beating them last April on the way to finishing in the top four: "Different circumstances. In that moment, it was very special. They were involved in the Champions League - we were in the Conference League. We competed very well and we won - but it was very difficult."

• However, he says the task against Arsenal is "very, very difficult": "We are prepared and very motivated - we will try to improve on things from Everton. [Arsenal] are a candidate to win the Premier League.

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Full commentary of Arsenal v Aston Villa from 17:30 GMT on Saturday on BBC Radio 5 Live