Aston Villa Finalise Europa League Knockout Stage Squad with Notable Changes
Aston Villa have officially submitted their updated squad for the Europa League knockout rounds, following the conclusion of the group stage and a busy January transfer window. The club, considered among the tournament favourites after an impressive league-phase performance, have exercised their right to make three alterations to their original squad as permitted by UEFA regulations.
Impressive Group Stage Campaign Sets Stage for Knockout Ambitions
Villa secured their place in the knockout stages with a commanding performance, finishing second among 36 teams in the league-phase. They accumulated an impressive 21 points from a possible 24, recording victories against notable European sides including Bologna, Feyenoord, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Young Boys, Basel, Fenerbahce and Red Bull Salzburg. Their only setback came in a surprising defeat to Go Ahead Eagles, demonstrating their overall dominance in the competition thus far.
Notable Absences from the Revised Squad
Ross Barkley, the experienced England international with 33 caps to his name, has been omitted from the knockout stage squad. The midfielder, who scored in last season's Champions League campaign, has been hampered by injuries throughout the current term, making just eight appearances across all competitions. Despite not being originally named in the group stage squad, Barkley did make one Europa League appearance this season following Tyrone Mings' injury withdrawal, utilising UEFA's allowance for one List A squad change before matchday six.
January signing Alysson Edward, the £10.5m acquisition from Brazilian club Grêmio, also misses out on selection. Although the 19-year-old would typically qualify for the List B squad due to his age, he fails to meet UEFA's requirement of having trained with the squad for an uninterrupted two-year period. Young forward Brian Madjo, who joined from French side Metz, faces the same eligibility issue and is expected to continue his development with the reserve team.
Strategic Additions and Squad Adjustments
Aston Villa have made three significant changes to their Europa League squad, removing Donyell Malen and Evann Guessand (who departed for AS Roma and Crystal Palace respectively) and replacing them with returning players Tammy Abraham and Douglas Luiz, both embarking on their second spells at Villa Park. Additionally, Boubacar Kamara has been withdrawn due to a season-ending knee injury, creating space for Leon Bailey to rejoin the European squad after his loan spell at Roma.
UEFA regulations stipulate that four places in the 25-man squad must be reserved for 'club-trained' players, a category in which Villa currently have no eligible first-team candidates. Jacob Ramsey fulfilled this role in last season's Champions League before his transfer to Newcastle United. Lamare Bogarde, the only first-team player with academy experience, has been named on the List B squad.
Full Squad Composition for European Campaign
As Aston Villa aim to win the Europa League for the first time in their history, their complete squad for the knockout stages includes:
Goalkeepers: Emi Martinez, Marco Bizot.
Defenders: Matty Cash, Victor Lindelof, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Lucas Digne, Pau Torres, Andres Garcia, Ian Maatsen.
Midfielders: John McGinn, Youri Tielemans, Jadon Sancho, Douglas Luiz, Amadou Onana.
Forwards: Harvey Elliott, Emi Bundia, Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers, Leon Bailey, Tammy Abraham.
Harvey Elliott remains eligible to feature for Villa in the competition despite ongoing speculation about his long-term future at the club. The squad adjustments reflect a strategic approach as Villa prepare for the crucial knockout phase of European competition.
