Leon Bailey
OLY
RW
One-v-One Creator
Aug 9, 1997 (29)
Left
5'10"
170 lb
Not facing Arsenal
Bailey (strain) is not in the squad for Monday's match against Arsenal.
Analysis: As expected, Bailey won't be an option for Monday's game, as the winger is training away from the group while being heavily linked with an exit before the end of the transfer window. It's more likely that he'll end up playing for another team in the next few weeks rather than seeing him donning the Villa shirt in the near future.
Unlikely to face Arsenal
Bailey (strain) is unlikely to feature in Monday's Premier League clash against Arsenal as he continues to train away from the Aston Villa first team, according to The Athletic.
Analysis: Bailey appears unlikely to return against Arsenal after already missing the season opener against Brighton. The winger is currently training on his own rather than with the main group, leaving him short of a return to matchday action Monday. His situation will need to be monitored beyond the Arsenal clash, with no clear timeline yet provided for when he could rejoin the first-team setup.
Unable to make opener
Bailey (strain) is unavailable for Sunday's clash against Brighton.
Analysis: Bailey has been ruled out of Sunday's Premier League opener due to the muscle strain that has bothered him since late July. His absence further limits the attacking options available against Brighton, particularly on the flanks. Bailey's pace and ability to create chances in the final third make him a valuable option when healthy, though he enters the campaign without a goal contribution since March 19. He is expected to return to the squad once fully recovered.
Not ruled out despite uncertain status
Bailey (strain) is trending towards a full recovery but remains a late decision for Sunday's encounter with Brighton.
Analysis: Bailey has been dealing with a muscle strain since late July, and his future with the club is unclear, but there has been no official report of his situation heading into the Premier League week one game. If he's eligible, the forward will serve as a solid option, giving the team much-needed offensive ability while they're without Ollie Watkins (not injury related). However, the Jamaican has struggled to impress of late, scoring his last official goal or assist on March 19.
Out with muscle tightness
Bailey is out for Tuesday's friendly due to muscle tightness he suffered in the club's previous friendly, according to Jacob Tanswell of The Athletic.
Analysis: Bailey is still not ready to play for Villa after he suffered some muscle tightness in their previous friendly, taking his return cautiously. With the club currently likely to let the player walk this offseason, they will be focused on keeping him fit to make sure he passes any medical. He could return in a future friendly, but with his place in the team in doubt, that could've been the last time we saw the winger on the field with Villa.
Subs off in first half Saturday
Bailey left Saturday's friendly game against Porto in the 23rd minute after presumably picking up a knock.
Analysis: Bailey could be dealing with a new injury that would put his participation in upcoming friendlies at risk, though there has been no official report about the potential issue. The attacker is coming off an inconsistent campaign in which he failed to score and delivered one assist across 13 Premier League appearances. If he's eventually forced to miss time, Villa will see its depth reduced primarily on the left wing, although they may have solved that problem with the recent signing of Alejandro Garnacho.
Starts to end season
Bailey registered two shots (zero on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 2-1 victory over Manchester City.
Analysis: Bailey would get a chance to play Sunday and did well with his 90 minutes of play, notching two shots and two crosses. This only marks his 13th appearance of the season, playing under 500 minutes this campaign. That said, he would add an assist in the rough season, potentially facing a move somewhere else next campaign as he tries to build his career backup.
First goal contribution of campaign
Bailey assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Wednesday's 4-1 defeat to Chelsea.
Analysis: Bailey's driven ball into the box Wednesday created havoc for the Chelsea defense and assisted Aston Villa's opening goal in their 4-1 home defeat. In addition to his assist, the forward contributed one tackle (one won), one interception and one clearance to the defensive effort across his 63 minutes of play. Since returning from his abbreviated loan spell at Roma, Bailey has created nine chances across eight appearances (three starts)
Strong service
Bailey recorded one shot (one on goal), five crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Leeds United.
Analysis: Though Bailey didn't get an assist for his efforts, he helped give Aston Villa's attack some potency. If he replicates this effort against a Wolves side that has given up 50 goals in EPL play, he's likely to get an assist or goal.
45 from bench
Bailey registered two shots (zero on goal), four crosses (zero accurate) and four corners in Sunday's 1-0 defeat versus Brentford.
Analysis: Bailey earned 45 minutes off the bench Sunday as he tried to change the match for Villa, recording two shots, three chances created and four crosses. This is a good second showing for the attacker as he returns to Villa, hoping to capture a first goal contribution soon after a tough campaign in Roma.
Trains, fit again
Bailey (illness) has trained and is an option for play, according to manager Unai Emery. "Leon, he came back as well, thinking to help us quick. His adaptation is not necessary. He knows us, and he is coming here fit. For Sunday, he is going to be available."
Analysis: Bailey is back with the club Friday after a loan spell, with the attacker not just in Villa but fit again from his illness. He started in one of his 10 appearances while on loan, struggling to see time, much like the end of the last campaign with Villa. A rotational option is most likely for the attacker to begin, giving them more depth in the attack.
Back at Aston Villa
Bailey is returning to Aston Villa, as his loan spell has been terminated prematurely, Roma announced.
Analysis: Bailey suffered a severe thigh strain right before the opener and struggled to stay healthy and find his footing afterward. He has appeared in 10 matches in Serie A and the UEFA Europa League, assisting once and adding six shots (two on target), five chances created and 17 crosses (three accurate). He should be available right away if Aston Villa decide to keep him since he sat out the last game because of a simple illness.
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