Aston Villa's head coach Unai Emery has provided insight into his decision to exclude three players from the Champions League squad.
Bryan Mbeumo and Mudu Keba Cisse are unavailable due to injuries, while Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been left out because of fierce competition for places.
Emery explained:
It was a tough decision—for us and for the players. When selecting, we analysed how we expect the squad to look until January. We have eight matches to play.
Cisse is not included due to injury. Mbeumo will be out for at least another two weeks.
Emery took the time to address Harwood-Bellis's situation, who joined Villa on transfer deadline day:
Taylor was the last to arrive. We can maintain balance with Lamar Bogarde, and Bubacar Kamara can also fill in if needed. We tried to analyse everything as thoroughly as possible.
Taylor will be here for a long time. I hope he will have opportunities to play for us in European competitions—possibly as soon as January, and in the following years.
Emery also emphasised that 17-year-old Mbeumo will get his chances in the future:
He’s very, very young. I'm sure he’ll have many opportunities to play for us—both this season and in the coming years, including in Europe.
As for upcoming matches, Johan Manzambi has already resumed training with the squad, though he is not yet ready to return to the pitch. Emery hasn't ruled out his involvement in Tuesday's Champions League clash or the subsequent game against Nottingham Forest.
The coach added:
Other than that, there really isn’t any bad news. I hope we can step up—play better, compete harder, and pick up points.
