'Your time is now' - Unai Emery issues message to Aston Villa defender
The centre-back has yet to feature in a matchday squad but should now get his chance.
Unai Emery has told Taylor Harwood-Bellis “your time is now” with the defender poised to make his belated Villa debut.
The 24-year-old has not featured in a squad since joining on deadline day in a £30million move from Southampton.
But a hamstring injury to Pau Torres has opened the door with Harwood-Bellis on course to make his Villa bow in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie at Coventry City.
The centre-back has needed to be patient during his opening weeks at the club and was not included in the squad submitted to Uefa for the Champions League group stages.
He also failed to make the bench for Premier League matches against Hull and Nottingham Forest.
Emery said: “We needed to take off someone (from the bench) and it is Taylor.
“But now with the injury to Pau, is coming his time.”
Harwood-Bellis was one of 10 summer signings at Villa and a first meeting with Coventry in 25 years offers Emery the chance to give several more game-time.
Winger Ibrahim Mbaye could make his first start, while Matteo Ruggeri is expected to come into the team in place of the injured Ian Maatsen.
Midfielder Leon Goretzka remains sidelined with a knee injury and is expected back next month, after the international break.
Comment Guidelines
Iconic Media encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.