After missing the last three games through injury, one Aston Villa star could now make his return to action against Paris Saint-Germain as Unai Emery’s side go in pursuit of upsetting the odds in the Champions League.
Aston Villa show depth against Nottingham Forest
Whilst their balancing act has at times stood in the way of their top four ambitions, victory over Nottingham Forest has kept Aston Villa in the race to qualify for the Champions League in consecutive campaigns. And the credit for that as well as their FA Cup and European exploits on the side should go towards both Emery and sporting director Monchi.
After selling Jhon Duran in the January transfer window, those in the Midlands welcomed a number of key reinforcements and have gone on to benefit ever since. The likes of Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford have thrived whilst Donyell Malen is now beginning to show his best form – scoring his second goal in as many games this weekend.
Emery was left pleased with victory over Forest too, albeit whilst admitting that he wasn’t happy with how Aston Villa allowed their opponents a glimmer of hope in the second half.
The Spaniard told reporters in his post-match press conference: “We started dominating. They were playing tactically, a medium-low block and we started dominating because they were not pressing high, not getting out. We were creating chances and we scored goals.
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“The second half, I am not happy. They were changing their tactics and taking more duels aggressively, pressing higher and we were not dominating like we have to. This victory is very important. Very happy with the victory. Very demanding of myself to improve things within… I am happy because we have three points more.”
Emery provides Bailey injury update
Aside from the three points, Aston Villa also had some positive injury news to enjoy following their battle against Forest. As confirmed by Emery, Leon Bailey could now make his return from injury against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, making his first appearance in three games.
The winger couldn’t be returning at a better time with such an important game on the horizon. The Villans will need every one of their stars to step up against the French champions and arguably the best team left in the Champions League, meaning that Bailey must be at his best on his potential return.
Emery revealed the news, telling reporters: “It is very important to manage the players we have, we are more less with the players available. Leon Bailey hopefully can be available for Paris.”
The former Bayer Leverkusen man is due some good form too. Before his injury, Bailey had only scored twice and assisted a further four goals in all competitions in a major drop-off compared to last season.
Now on his way back from injury, the £120,000-a-week winger must find a way to return to his clinical best and offer Aston Villa an instant boost in the process.
