Unai Emery Confirms Bailey’s Absence for RB Leipzig Clash, Possible Return This Weekend
Aston Villa fans are eagerly awaiting the Champions League clash against RB Leipzig on Tuesday, but they will have to do so without the presence of winger Leon Bailey. Manager Unai Emery has confirmed that Bailey will miss the upcoming match due to a hamstring injury sustained during Villa’s recent victory over Southampton. However, there is a glimmer of hope for Bailey’s return as early as this weekend.
The incident that led to Bailey’s injury occurred as he chased a pass from teammate John McGinn during a counter-attack. After knocking the ball out of play, Bailey had to seek assistance from the medical staff and was subsequently unable to continue playing. Emery reassured fans by describing the injury as “very small,” indicating a swift recovery for the talented winger.
Jacob Ramsey Progressing Well
In addition to Bailey’s setback, Emery also provided updates on midfielder Jacob Ramsey, who is reportedly making good progress in his recovery. Despite the positive news, Ramsey is expected to be out for several more weeks before he can rejoin the squad. On a brighter note, midfielder Amadou Onana made a return to the matchday squad after recuperating from a foot injury sustained during the November international break.
Villa’s Champions League Campaign
Villa will be aiming for their fourth victory in the Champions League as they face RB Leipzig, having secured wins in their previous three matches against tough opponents like BSC Young Boys, Bayern Munich, and Bologna. However, they faced a setback in their last two matches, suffering a defeat against Club Brugge and a draw against Juventus. As they prepare to take on RB Leipzig, Villa currently sits just outside the top eight in the league phase table, trailing Monaco by a single point on goal difference.
The upcoming fixtures for Villa promise to be exciting, with a visit to Stade Louis II to face Monaco on January 21 followed by a home clash against Celtic at Villa Park on January 29. The fans are buzzing with anticipation for these matchups, hoping to see their team continue their impressive run in the Champions League.
As the countdown to the RB Leipzig clash begins, the question on every Villa fan’s mind is: What will be the final score? Share your predictions in the comments section and join the discussion on this thrilling Champions League journey with Aston Villa.
