Unai Emery has moved to clarify Harvey Elliott’s position at Aston Villa as questions grow about the midfielder’s absence from recent matchday squads. Elliott has made only five appearances since joining Villa on deadline day, and he has not been involved in several Premier League fixtures, including the 4-0 win over Bournemouth reported by SoftFootball.
He was also missing from the squad in the tight 2-1 defeat to Leeds United, which SoftFootball covered. He also did not feature in the narrow 2-1 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv, remaining an unused substitute.
Villa’s upcoming Europa League fixture against Young Boys could provide an opportunity, especially in a competition where Emery rotates more often.
Emery explained, in a post shared by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account, that Elliott’s lack of Premier League minutes is due mainly to competition in attacking and midfield positions.
Fabrizio Romano posted:
Unai Emery on Harvey Elliott and his possible return to Liverpool in January: He is one of our players and hopefully he can help us. Then, we are going to decide.
There are other players performing very well. This is the main reason.
Players such as Emi Buendia, who has recorded six goal contributions this season, have been in strong form and have earned their place through consistent performances.
Another key layer in the situation is the clause in Elliott’s loan deal. Aston Villa would be required to pay £35 million if he makes 10 appearances, and with the midfielder currently on five, there is a clear sense of caution around his usage.
If Villa choose not to keep him beyond January, Elliott can only return to Liverpool. He cannot move to a third club this season, since he has already played for Liverpool in both the Community Shield and a Premier League match.
There is still a possibility that Elliott could receive more minutes before the end of the year. Emery said the team has many games to navigate and stressed that decisions will be based on what is needed in each match.
Yet with 18-year-old George Hemmings appearing ahead of Elliott in recent squads, the Liverpool loanee faces an uncertain path as the January review approaches.
