New Aston Villa manager Unai Emery won’t be present for the weekend Premier League clash with Newcastle United, reports Gregg Evans.

The Lowdown: Emery takes charge of Villa

The Spaniard was confirmed as the Villans’ new manager earlier this week, following the end of the doomed reign of Steven Gerrard.

Emery looks like an exciting appointment at Villa Park, given his managerial pedigree in the game after winning four Europa League titles in his career.

It was hoped that he would be in charge for Saturday’s trip to in-form Newcastle but a new update suggests otherwise.

The Latest: Evans provides key update

Writing on Twitter on Friday morning, The Athletic‘s Evans confirmed that Emery likely won’t be at St James’ Park, with his first match in the dugout coming at home to Manchester United a week on Sunday:

“Unai Emery will watch AVFC at NUFC tomorrow but he’s not expected to be there. Emery has also started preparing for Villa’s game with MUFC. He starts officially on Tuesday.”

The Verdict: Watching from home

While Emery doesn’t properly get started in the job until next week, he is still sure to make his influence known this weekend, liaising with Aaron Danks.

In truth, the trip to Newcastle almost feels like something of a free hit, considering the Magpies’ excellent form and the transitional period going on at Villa.

A draw or a win would feel like an added bonus before Emery properly gets started, as what is hopefully a successful new era at Villa Park gets underway.