Unai Emery explains latest Harvey Elliott absence as transfer twist emerges

Harvey Elliott looked to have made a good transfer move when he left Liverpool to sign for Aston Villa in the summer, but things have not gone to plan in the Midlands

Harvey Elliott has played four Premier League games for Aston Villa this season.(Image: Alex Livesey - Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has revealed that Liverpool loanee Harvey Elliott is injured at the moment, though he isn't likely to play that much before the end of the season regardless.

Elliott started just his third game for Aston Villa last month as it beat Red Bull Salzburg in the Europa League but he hasn't been seen since coming off the bench against Brentford almost three weeks ago.

Emery says the reason for his absence is a minor injury, and he is expected to return in time to play in the next round in Europe in mid-March, with reports today suggesting that only Premier League games count towards his loan agreement becoming permanent.

If Elliott plays 10 games for Aston Villa, it is thought that would trigger a $47 million (£35 million) transfer. But Emery has already made it clear that he doesn't want that to happen.

However, Birmingham Live says only matches in the league count towards the tally. As a result, Elliott could play an unlimited number of games in the Europa League before the season ends.

Aston Villa will take on one of FK Crvena Zvezda, Celta Vigo, PAOK or LOSC Lille next, depending on the play-off ties involving those teams, which will conclude next week.

Harvey Elliott, on loan at Aston Villa from Liverpool(Image: Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

"He is injured now. He is not available because of injury," Emery said during a press conference on Friday ahead of his side taking on Leeds United.

"I was so clear one month ago. I think we must carry on, and of course help him as much as we can. Then, try to make him feel comfortable here.

"He is going to be available more or less to play in Europe. We are now in January, trying to focus on the Premier League, trying to focus on Europe."

Elliott didn't play for Aston Villa for around four months, during which time Emery said Aston Villa was trying to negotiate a removal of the clause with Liverpool.

The 22-year-old made a surprise return to the squad as Aston Villa beat Newcastle United by two goals to nil in January. He then started against Salzburg and came off the bench at Brentford.

In addition to two Europa League appearances, Elliott has played in four Premier League matches and Aston Villa’s Carabao Cup defeat against the Bees, in which he scored.

Liverpool.com says: Elliott has been very unlucky this season. He will need to pick his next move carefully, but his talent is clear. He's more than good enough to play every week for most teams in the Premier League.