Unai Emery confirms new Aston Villa injury after Southampton win

Leon Bailey will miss Villa’s trip to RB Leipzig and is a doubt for the upcoming festive period after sustaining a hamstring strain against Southampton.

The Jamaican winger was substituted just before the hour mark after pulling up and feeling the back of his left thigh. Unai Emery, knowing just how hectic the upcoming fixture schedule is, decided not to take any risks and brought on Jaden Philogene in Bailey’s place.

The good news is the injury isn’t serious as Emery confirmed in the post-match press conference that the pain wasn’t severe. “It’s his hamstring. He didn’t feel a lot but I think a minimum of one, two or three weeks probably,” Emery said.

Bailey hasn’t been in his best form for several months but he remains an important player for Villa as there aren’t many players in the squad who are as pacy and skilful.

Philogene has struggled since re-joining the club for £13.5 million in the summer and the likes of John McGinn and Emi Buendia don’t possess the same speed. Jacob Ramsey would be a decent option on either flank but the Villa academy product is sidelined and not expected to return for several weeks.

No time is ideal for Villa to lose Bailey but this might just be the worst of all as games against Leipzig, Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion await in the next five. Emery will be hoping Bailey’s return comes sooner rather than later.