Marcus Rashford made his Aston Villa debut vs Spurs (Image: Getty)
Donyell Malen has reportedly been left “deeply disappointed” after being snubbed for and Marco Asensio in squad.
The duo were just two of five arrivals from a hectic January window for Unai Emery’s side, with Andres Garcia, Asensio and Axel Disasi also penning moves to the Premier League side.
It sets Aston Villa up nicely for the second half of the season, given they’re still in both the Champions League and FA Cup, as well as fighting for a European spot in the Premier League.
But it’s Emery’s decision to leave Malen out of Aston Villa’s Champions League squad that is said to have caused disappointment behind closed doors.
As per UEFA rules, clubs are only allowed to register three new players between the conclusion of the league phase and the start of the knockouts, with Garcia and Malen the unfortunate absentees.
However, according to The Athletic, Malen didn’t take the news well, with the recent arrival from Borussia Dortmund “deeply disappointed” not to have made the cut.
It was seen as somewhat of a peculiar one, given Malen is the only one of the three attackers who signed for Aston Villa during the winter window to pen a permanent contract.
Both Asensio and Rashford arrived as part of short-term loan deals, and while the latter does have an option to buy in his contract, it’s still a decision that has reportedly upset Malen.
Read more…
Donyell Malen was left out of Aston Villa’s Champions League squad (Image: Getty)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Emery was quizzed on the move last week, explaining: “We changed five players and can only register three. The decisions we had to take yesterday and are out are Andres Garcia and Donyell Malen.
“Of course, it’s not a good decision I had to take yesterday, but I spoke with Andres and Donyell to tell them the decision and I argued my decision with them.”
Rashford and Asensio will now have to deliver for Emery when the last-16 stage rolls around next month, with the two having made their Aston Villa debut alongside Malen during Sunday’s victory over Spurs.
Don’t miss… [READ] [FOOTBALL]
Speaking post-match, Emery mused: “We have to build the team again after the circumstances we had. Lamare Bogarde played consistently again when we needed him. Andres Garcia and Malen both played in the idea we had. They were consistent and focused.
“As well, Marcus Rashford and Asensio, we watched their skill and how they helped us and will help us again in the next months in the different competitions we will face. We are in a new way after the changes we did. We are demanding because we still need to improve due to some tactical issues and how we want to compete in the Premier League.”
Aston Villa return to Premier League action at home to Ipswich Town on Saturday.