Unai Emery explains Harwood-Bellis omission and provides Johan Manzambi update ahead of Champions League | OneFootball

Unai Emery says he is content with Aston Villa’s balance for the Champions League after leaving new signing Taylor Harwood-Bellis out of the 23-man squad.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, the England international joined from Southampton for £25 million on deadline day but was omitted along with injured pair Brian Madjo and Modou Keba Cisse. Villa begin at Club Brugges in Belgium next Tuesday.

Emery believes centre-back cover is sufficient, with Lamare Bogarde and Boubacar Kamara able to step in if required. He described the call as difficult and referenced previous selection challenges when Villa were without Donyell Malen and Andres Garcia.

He said the assessment focused on the period until January, with eight matches to play. Cisse is sidelined and Madjo is out for at least two weeks. As the final arrival, Harwood-Bellis missed out to preserve balance, with Bogarde and Kamara considered alternatives.

Emery added that Harwood-Bellis is viewed as a long-term option for European football, potentially from January and in the coming seasons. He also noted that Madjo, 17, will have more European opportunities this year and beyond.

Summer recruit Johan Manzambi is nearing fitness. The 20-year-old Swiss attacker, signed from Freiburg for almost £60 million, suffered a knee injury during the World Cup. He could return for the home game against Nottingham Forest on Saturday week, will not feature at Hull City on Saturday evening and is unlikely to play in Belgium.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com

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