Harvey Elliott, who joined Aston Villa from Liverpool last month on loan in search of regular first-team football, was a high-profile absentee from the matchday squad for Villa’s statement victory over Manchester City.
Manager Unai Emery confirmed that the midfielder's performances across his limited minutes simply do not yet warrant a spot in the squad, particularly with Morgan Rogers and Emiliano Buendía finding form.
Elliott has struggled to make an impact since arriving, being substituted at half-time in his only league start for Villa.
Emery’s advice to the former Liverpool man was clear: "keep going" and work his way into contention.
