Leon Bailey came off injured
Leon Bailey came off injured
Unai Emery has confirmed Leon Bailey suffered a hamstring injury in Aston Villa's 1-0 win over Southampton this afternoon.
The winger was replaced by Jaden Philogene just before the hour mark after pulling up with the injury. He was chasing a pass played by John McGinn on the counter attack, before he stopped, knocked the ball out of play and then sat on the floor waiting for assistance from the medical team.
"I think he will be out, hopefully not a lot of weeks but Tuesday I don't think he will be available," Emery said on Sky Sports. "We have to try and use our other players and give them chances. It's a hamstring issue."
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Asked for a time frame on Bailey's return, Emery said: "He didn’t feel it a lot but I think [he will miss] minimum one, two or three weeks."
Losing Bailey will come as a blow for Villa, who lack a like-for-like replacement in the squad. Philogene could get a run in the team now, or Emery may use McGinn off the left.
Villa face RB Leipzig in Germany on Tuesday night, before they travel to Nottingham Forest next Saturday. After hosting Manchester City on December 21, they then play Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Boxing Day.
Villa are currently sitting in fifth place in the Premier League after recording successive league wins over Brentford and Southampton this week.