Alejandro Garnacho is in line to make his Aston Villa debut against Brighton on Sunday, with Unai Emery saying it is the club’s responsibility to “protect and support” the winger after a difficult couple of years.
A difficult spell at Chelsea
After registering 17 goal involvements in 2023/24, Garnacho chipped in with 22 contributions in all competitions during his final campaign at Old Trafford before joining Chelsea last summer. At Stamford Bridge, Garnacho had little stability, playing under several managers and failing to secure a regular run in the team. He started just 14 Premier League matches.
Signed on a season-long loan with a conditional obligation to buy earlier this summer, Garnacho played just two halves of pre-season football before suffering a head injury in the game against BG Pathum United.
Emery's cautious approach
Villa boss Emery was asked about his belief in Garnacho ahead of Sunday's season-opener against Brighton. “He’s starting again to recover his capacity and trying to feel his confidence,” Emery said. “We need to protect him and support him.
“He’s had a kick in his head and couldn’t play the last three matches. He will need time to train and feel comfortable in our structure - getting fit - but this is a process and we knew this before we signed him.
“He trains good every day, I’m seeing him happy and his adaptation on the field is getting better. Everything around us can get some noise. He’s feeling better. He is fit for Sunday.”
Upcoming fixtures
Villa take on Arsenal at home on Monday, August 31 after facing Brighton at the Amex.
