AdminAston Villa’s £25million signing Taylor Harwood-Bellis has suffered a major setback after being left out of Unai Emery’s Champions League squad, just two days after revealing his ‘excitement’ about playing in Europe’s elite competition.
The 24-year-old defender completed his move from Southampton on deadline day, arriving to strengthen Emery’s backline following Ezri Konsa’s £55m transfer to Arsenal.
Harwood-Bellis, who married Roy Keane’s daughter Leah earlier this summer, spoke enthusiastically about his European ambitions in his first interview as a Villa player.
‘I think when I knew first of all the club in general being such a prestigious Premier League club and then you have the added bonus of the Champions League is something that doesn’t fill me with anything but excitement.
‘I can’t wait to get out there and show that I can hopefully do it on the biggest stage.’
However, those hopes have now been put on hold after Emery confirmed his 25-man squad without the centre-back.
Harwood-Bellis and Modou Keba Cisse are the only two new signings omitted, while Zion Suzuki, Matteo Ruggeri, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Leon Goretzka, Joao Gomes, Johan Manzambi, Nicolas Jackson, Alejandro Garnacho and Ibrahim Mbaye were all included.
Teenager Brian Madjo was also left out.
Harwood-Bellis will miss the league phase, beginning away at Club Brugge next Tuesday, but could be registered for the knockout rounds if Villa qualify. Clubs reaching that stage can add up to three players.
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