Leon Bailey
OLY
Right Winger
One-v-One Creator
Aug 9, 1997 (29)
Left
5'10"
170 lb
Unable to make opener
Bailey (strain) is unavailable for Sunday's clash against Brighton.
Analysis: Bailey has been ruled out of Sunday's Premier League opener due to the muscle strain that has bothered him since late July. His absence further limits the attacking options available against Brighton, particularly on the flanks. Bailey's pace and ability to create chances in the final third make him a valuable option when healthy, though he enters the campaign without a goal contribution since March 19. He is expected to return to the squad once fully recovered.
Not ruled out despite uncertain status
Bailey (strain) is trending towards a full recovery but remains a late decision for Sunday's encounter with Brighton.
Analysis: Bailey has been dealing with a muscle strain since late July, and his future with the club is unclear, but there has been no official report of his situation heading into the Premier League week one game. If he's eligible, the forward will serve as a solid option, giving the team much-needed offensive ability while they're without Ollie Watkins (not injury related). However, the Jamaican has struggled to impress of late, scoring his last official goal or assist on March 19.
Starts to end season
Bailey registered two shots (zero on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 2-1 victory over Manchester City.
Analysis: Bailey would get a chance to play Sunday and did well with his 90 minutes of play, notching two shots and two crosses. This only marks his 13th appearance of the season, playing under 500 minutes this campaign. That said, he would add an assist in the rough season, potentially facing a move somewhere else next campaign as he tries to build his career backup.
First goal contribution of campaign
Bailey assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Wednesday's 4-1 defeat to Chelsea.
Analysis: Bailey's driven ball into the box Wednesday created havoc for the Chelsea defense and assisted Aston Villa's opening goal in their 4-1 home defeat. In addition to his assist, the forward contributed one tackle (one won), one interception and one clearance to the defensive effort across his 63 minutes of play. Since returning from his abbreviated loan spell at Roma, Bailey has created nine chances across eight appearances (three starts)
Strong service
Bailey recorded one shot (one on goal), five crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Leeds United.
Analysis: Though Bailey didn't get an assist for his efforts, he helped give Aston Villa's attack some potency. If he replicates this effort against a Wolves side that has given up 50 goals in EPL play, he's likely to get an assist or goal.
45 from bench
Bailey registered two shots (zero on goal), four crosses (zero accurate) and four corners in Sunday's 1-0 defeat versus Brentford.
Analysis: Bailey earned 45 minutes off the bench Sunday as he tried to change the match for Villa, recording two shots, three chances created and four crosses. This is a good second showing for the attacker as he returns to Villa, hoping to capture a first goal contribution soon after a tough campaign in Roma.
Trains, fit again
Bailey (illness) has trained and is an option for play, according to manager Unai Emery. "Leon, he came back as well, thinking to help us quick. His adaptation is not necessary. He knows us, and he is coming here fit. For Sunday, he is going to be available."
Analysis: Bailey is back with the club Friday after a loan spell, with the attacker not just in Villa but fit again from his illness. He started in one of his 10 appearances while on loan, struggling to see time, much like the end of the last campaign with Villa. A rotational option is most likely for the attacker to begin, giving them more depth in the attack.
Back at Aston Villa
Bailey is returning to Aston Villa, as his loan spell has been terminated prematurely, Roma announced.
Analysis: Bailey suffered a severe thigh strain right before the opener and struggled to stay healthy and find his footing afterward. He has appeared in 10 matches in Serie A and the UEFA Europa League, assisting once and adding six shots (two on target), five chances created and 17 crosses (three accurate). He should be available right away if Aston Villa decide to keep him since he sat out the last game because of a simple illness.
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