Harvey Elliott could end his long wait without featuring for Aston Villa this afternoon at Newcastle
Harvey Elliott applauds Aston Villa fans
Harvey Elliott could finally return to action on Sunday(Image: Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images)
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Harvey Elliott has travelled to Tyneside with his Aston Villa teammates for this afternoon's Premier League clash against Newcastle United.
The 22-year-old hasn't played for Villa since October 2, when Unai Emery's side beat Feyenoord 2–0 in Rotterdam.
Elliott could now end his long wait without featuring for Villa today as Emery has, reportedly, decided to include him in the matchday squad.
His last league appearance came against Fulham at the end of September, when he started in Villa's first league win of the campaign, but was brought off at half-time.
If Elliott features in 10 Premier League matches, Villa will be obliged to pay £35million to sign him permanently.
Having played half that number of games, so far, Emery explained earlier this month that he has already decided the club are not convinced about taking up their option to buy the midfielder.
"The problem we have with Harvey is that this year he is on loan, and in case he plays matches we must buy him," he said.
"We decided two months ago that we are not convinced to sign him, spending the money we would need to sign him.
"This is the only issue. He is training every day, always every day with very good behaviour and to help us in training sessions.
"This is not something good for him and good for us, but this is football and sometimes we must take some decisions which are not good for everyone."
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