AdminAston Villa Make Champions League Squad Change as Taylor Harwood-Bellis Replaces Injured Matteo Ruggeri
Aston Villa have made a change to their Champions League league phase squad, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis being brought in to replace the injured Matteo Ruggeri.
The Italian left-back is expected to spend more than 60 days on the sidelines, forcing Villa to make adjustments to their European squad as they continue their campaign in the competition.
Ruggeri’s absence represents a setback for Unai Emery, who must now work around the defender’s injury while ensuring his side remain competitive in Europe.
The 23-year-old had been included in Villa’s original squad for the league phase, but his expected recovery period has made the change necessary.
Harwood-Bellis will now take his place in the squad, giving Emery another defensive option as Villa prepare for their upcoming European fixtures.
The decision follows the rules governing Champions League squad registrations, which allow clubs to make certain changes when a player suffers a long-term injury.
With Ruggeri expected to be unavailable for over two months, Villa have moved to ensure they have sufficient cover for the remainder of the league phase.
However, the Italian has not been permanently removed from the club’s European plans. He can be reinstated in the Champions League squad once he has recovered from his injury.
Villa will hope Ruggeri makes a full recovery as quickly as possible, while Harwood-Bellis will have an opportunity to make his mark if called upon by Emery during the club’s European campaign.
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