Leon Bailey ‘available to start’ for Villa as they prepare for Everton clash

The Jamaican international is yet to play a full 90 minutes following his summer move from Bayer Leverkusen
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Leon Bailey could be in line for his first Aston Villa start as they prepare to take on Everton at Villa Park on Saturday evening.

The 24-year-old has only made two substitute appearances for Dean Smith’s side since his arrival in August but has impressed the Villa faithful during both of his cameo showings.

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Talent and ability have never been the problem for Bailey breaking into the team - more that his lack of pre-season action just meant that he wasn’t up to speed and ready to compete in a 90 minute football match.

But that’s an issue that now seems to have been resolved and manager Smith explained that the Jamaican is now more than ready to make some noise from the off.

“He’s available to start a game now,” he said.

“He’s had three weeks of full training with us. He’s had 30/35 minutes last week against Chelsea and we’ve had a bit of an internal friendly in training as well.

“So yeah, his minutes are up there and his levels are showing that he’s ready to start.”

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Whether he gets the nod or not is something we’ll not find out until 16:30 on Saturday but injury to Jaden Philogene-Bidace means his chances of being on the field from minute one have certainly increased.

Smith revealed that he and Carney Chukwuemeka picked up ankle and groin injuries respectively while on England youth duty. The pair are in contention to return for the Carabao Cup third round tie against Chelsea on Wednesday, September 22.

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