Alejandro Garnacho 'progressing' despite latest Aston Villa omission

Unai Emery is happy with the way Alejandro Garnacho is “progressing” - despite the Aston Villa winger missing his second game in a row in the Premier League.

Garnacho, who is on loan from Chelsea, featured from the bench during the Villans’ 3-1 win over Viking in the Champions League on Wednesday.

However, the 22-year-old was left out of the squad for their 2-1 victory over Manchester City, after also sitting out the 1-0 win at Newcastle United on the previous weekend.

‘Progressing’ - Emery on Garnacho

On his situation, boss Emery explained: “He’s progressing. He played a fantastic 20 minutes on Wednesday in the Champions League, but today we had players who are now ready and available.

“I’m happy with how he is progressing and we have minutes and time to continue the progression that he showed us on Wednesday.”

Garnacho has made just five appearances for Villa so far this term and is yet to start a game in the Premier League.

The Argentina international suffered a facial injury during pre-season, but starred from the bench in each of the Villans’ opening three league games.

But he has not figured in the Premier League since a goalless draw at Hull City on September 5.

Emery previously stated that Garnacho needs to be “patient” for his opportunity, as he looks to get his career back on track following a challenging spell with Chelsea.

Alysson has stepped up in the past two games on the right wing for Villa, while Johan Manzambi started on the left for Villa against Man City.

Ibrahim Mbaye has also impressed since joining from reigning two-time Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.

The Senegalese wide man marked his introduction from the bench with an excellent assist for Nicolas Jackson’s second and decisive goal on Saturday.