Aston Villa have recalled Leon Bailey from his loan spell at Roma as Unai Emery looks to ease the Villans’ injury troubles.
Roma have announced the termination of Leon Bailey’s loan deal as the Jamaican international looks set to return to parent club Aston Villa for the rest of the season.
After falling out of favour under Emery at Villa, the loan deal with the Italian giants had included an optional future fee of £22 million.
However, after several injuries to Villa’s midfield department, the 28-year-old is set to make up the numbers for the Villains as they chase Champions League football this season.
Emery’s side is currently without Amadou Onana, John McGinn, Boubacar Kamara and Ross Barkley.
Emery frustrated by squad options?
Following their defeat to Everton in the Premier League, Emery hinted he was frustrated with his squad options as Villa battle on both fronts in the Premier League and Europe.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, the Spaniard said: “We are not contenders to be in the top five. We are still not being contenders.
“There are other teams with more potential than us.”
His comments could hint at other sides having more options to choose from, especially after Dominic Malen, who has four goals this season despite mainly coming off the bench, also departed for Roma on loan.
Emery also has Harvey Elliot to choose from, but the Englishman’s future at Villa Park seems uncertain with the Spaniard seemingly lacking trust in the on-loan Liverpool man.
Leon Bailey’s return from loan welcomed despite injury concerns of his own
Bailey was something of a fan favourite, scoring 10 league goals in the 23/24 season before failing to recapture this form the following season.
Despite eventually falling out of favour, the 28-year-old’s return will be hoping to recapture the promise shown during his earlier time at the club.
However, whilst the return of Bailey may boost Emery’s options, it’s worth noting the…
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