Steven Gerrard provides Leon Bailey fitness update ahead of weekend clash v Chelsea
Steven Gerrard offered a positive update on the recovery of Leon Bailey at Aston Villa, with the Jamaican winger pushing to be involved v Chelsea.
Bailey missed out during the trip to Nottingham Forest last weekend, with a muscle injury in his knee sidelining the 25-year-old.
But going by Gerrard’s latest comment, Villa fans can hope to see Bailey involved against Chelsea this weekend after a promising return to training.
“Hopefully. He was out on training pitch running at 70, 80 per cent yesterday so hopefully with no reaction we can push him and get him available,” said the Villa boss, as quoted by Birmingham Mail.
More depth, more choices
Bailey’s only other absence before the Forest clash was against Leicester. Gerrard was starting to utilise the pacey winger more and more before his injury, so he’ll be happy to see him back fit for Sunday’s Chelsea visit.
Bailey has proven to be a huge asset in big games. Against Manchester City earlier this season, he played the full 90 minutes and was a big threat on the counter attack.
He scored the equaliser against Pep Guardiola’s side, and Gerrard seems to fancy him when Villa have to sit back and absorb pressure.
With a match against Chelsea on the horizon, there’s a good chance Gerrard will opt for a similar approach, and Bailey could be crucial to his plans.
Plus, with the side struggling for goals this season – Villa’s seven in the Premier League is only bettered by Wolves’ three – Bailey’s return could help inject some much-needed creativity into a flat forward line.
With Gerrard suggesting he’s only around 80% fit, Bailey may only make a cameo from the bench on Sunday. But if it’s anything like his performance against City, it’s still a huge bonus.
In other Aston Villa news, Gabriel Agbonlahor admits he does not want to watch Aston Villa play