Villa sweating on Bailey’s fitness

LONDON, England (CMC):

Reggae Boy Leon Bailey missed Aston Villa’s English Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest on Monday night because of a muscle injury, but the Midlands outfit are hopeful he will be available to feature against Chelsea at the weekend.

The 25-year-old Bailey was unable to make the trip to City Ground – the game ended in a 1-1 draw – after picking up an injury to a muscle at the back of his knee. He was replaced in the starting line-up by Emi Buendia.

Veteran winger Ashley Young scored a stunning goal to restore parity for Steven Gerrard’s side, after going behind to an Emmanuel Dennis goal in the 15th minute.

Asked if Bailey will be fit for Sunday’s home game against Chelsea, Gerrard said: “Hopefully. He was out on the training pitch running at 70, 80 per cent yesterday, so hopefully, with no reaction, we can push him and get him available.”

Bailey has scored just two goals since joining Villa from German outfit Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2021, but endured an injury-hit first season.

His one goal so far this campaign – which he described as a “special one” – earned Villa a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw against Manchester City last month.