Leon Bailey, plastic pitches and the 'higher risk' worrying Unai Emery

Injury latest as Aston Villa boss provides Bailey concern

Unai Emery has admitted his concern over Leon Bailey's injury after the winger was forced off in Aston Villa's defeat to Arsenal. Bailey has been a key player for Villa since joining from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, but he has been struggling with a thigh problem in recent weeks.

The Jamaican international started on the bench against Arsenal but came on as a substitute in the second half. However, he was forced off after just 20 minutes with the same thigh problem. Emery has now revealed that Bailey could be out for a number of weeks.

Emery on Bailey's injury

"Leon Bailey felt something in his thigh," Emery said. "He tried to continue but he couldn't. We'll have to assess him tomorrow, but it's a concern. He's a very important player for us.

"We don't know how long he'll be out for. We'll have to wait for the results of the scan. But it's a concern because he's a player who can make a difference for us."

Bailey's injury record

Bailey has a history of thigh injuries. He missed the majority of the 2020/21 season with a thigh problem, and he also missed several games last season with a similar injury.

Emery will be hoping that Bailey's latest injury is not as serious as his previous ones. However, the Villa boss knows that he cannot afford to lose Bailey for a long period of time.

Villa's injury list

Bailey is not the only Villa player who is currently out injured. Diego Carlos, Lucas Digne and John McGinn are also all sidelined.

Emery is hopeful that some of his injured players will be back in contention for Villa's next game against Manchester City on Saturday.

Emery on Villa's injury situation

"We have some injuries at the moment," Emery said. "But we have a big squad and we have players who can come in and do a job.

"We're hopeful that some of our injured players will be back for the game against Manchester City. But we'll have to wait and see."