Leon closing in on return, reveals boss
VILLA head coach Steven Gerrard hopes Leon Bailey will return to training within the next two weeks.
The Jamaica international winger has been out of action for nearly eight weeks due to a severe thigh strain he picked up during the latter stages of Villa’s defeat to Manchester City on December 1.
Bailey will be a doubt to feature in Villa’s next Premier League game, against Leeds on Wednesday, February 9, but Gerrard hopes he will have returned to training at Bodymoor Heath by then.
“He’s not too far away,” he said. “We hope to have him back in the group in the next two weeks.”
Emiliano Buendia has cemented his place in the starting XI in Bailey’s absence, while Philippe Coutinho is also a shoo-in on the left side of a front three.
Bailey and Bertrand Traore, who is away at the Africa Cup of Nations, have a fight on their hands to get back in, but assistant Gary McAllister thinks they will work well in Gerrard’s system.
“Their style would suit the style of the manager,” he said.
“They will go hand in hand so we want them back on the pitch as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, Villa youngster Arjan Raikhy has signed for National League club Grimsby on loan.
The 19-year-old spent the first half of the campaign at Stockport.
“I’m delighted to be here. I spoke to the manager at the weekend. I was very happy with the feedback,” said Raikhy.
“I can’t wait to help the team. The conversation I had with the manager was very encouraging. I liked what he said.
“I didn’t play as much as I’d have liked in my first loan. That’s why I’m here, to play games and help the team.
“I spoke to Steven Gerrard, he wants young players to go out and get senior experience, which can help us in our careers.”