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Aston Villa have confirmed a major injury boost over Leon Bailey ahead of their Premier League encounter with Arsenal on Friday night.

Dean Smith’s side have been without the summer signing for the past three games in the Premier League after being forced off in the second half against Everton back in mid-September.

However, speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Mikel Arteta’s side at the Emirates Stadium, the Villa manager said: “Leon Bailey and Bertrand Traore have both trained over the last couple of days and both will be available for the squad down at Arsenal.

“But we have to be aware that Bailey’s had a thigh injury for four weeks so we have to assess how much of a risk we take with him. We are building up their fitness, they will be in the squad, but we’ll have to assess where they are. They have both been out injured for a few weeks, so they are lacking minutes.”

The Jamaica international has had an injury-disrupted start to life at Villa Park, playing just 85 minutes of football in the Premier League, but even in that limited amount of game-time, he has shown exactly why Villa fans should be excited about their summer signing.

After coming off the bench to great effect against Watford on the opening day – he marked his Premier League debut for the club by setting up John McGinn’s goal and almost sparking a late comeback – the Jamaican flier showed just what he can bring to the table when he delivered another barnstorming cameo against Everton.

Having come on as a substitute once again, Bailey whipped in the corner which was turned in by Lucas Digne, before firing in a superb goal of his own to seal an impressive 3-0 win for Villa.

Speaking before the Midlands club officially confirmed the deal to sign the winger, Alan Hutton threw his backing behind a move for the Jamaica international.

He said: “I’m so excited to see this one. I’ve heard a lot about him over the past two or three seasons. He’s obviously still very young but he’s electric, he gets people off their seats. That’s what you want in a player.

“But what’s more impressive, 15 goals and 11 assists from wide areas in the German league. That’s unbelievable. It’s the kind of consistency you want from your wingers.”

The fact that he’s now back in the frame to play against Arsenal tonight is sure to have fans absolutely buzzing, especially at a time when Villa have fallen into a bit of a slump.

Meanwhile, Villa must start this £7.2m-rated gem against Arsenal…

Aston Villa get their Carabao Cup campaign underway on Tuesday night when they take on Barrow in the second round.

Dean Smith’s side were, of course, finalists in 2020 where they were beaten by Manchester City, while they were knocked out of the competition in the fourth round last season by Stoke City.

The Villa boss will no doubt ring the changes to his starting line-up for today’s clash, with many of those who started in the 2-0 victory over Newcastle in the Premier League at the weekend unlikely to do so again.

And, with that in mind, below is a look at the kind of line-up Smith might look to put out for Villa’s clash against Barrow.

In goal, Emi Martinez is likely to be given a rest with back-up shot-stopper Jed Steer coming for his first competitive game for Villa since that 1-0 defeat to Stoke last season.

The back-four is also set to see wholesale changes, with Frederic Guilbert making his first Villa appearance since returning from loan last term.

Matt Targett should come straight back in at left-back, while Kortney Hause is likely to be partnered by Axel Tuanzebe, who could make his second debut for the club following his initial loan spell.

Further forward, Smith could be in line to make some exciting changes by starting three of the club’s brightest young academy talents, with Carney Chukwuemeka, Jaden Philogene-Bidace and Jacob Ramsey ready to make their mark.

And up front, with Ollie Watkins still out, Wesley could come in for Danny Ings as he looks to prove why he should remain at the club and be given the chance to impress.

Predicted XI: Steer; Guilbert, Tuanzebe, Hause, Targett; Nakamba, Ramsey; Philogene-Bidace, Chukwuemeka, El Ghazi; Wesley.

Meanwhile, Villa are plotting a late swoop for this star…

Aston Villa have suffered a potentially significant injury blow ahead of their Premier League clash with Norwich City at Carrow Road this evening.

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic’s Gregg Evans, Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba is set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up a knee injury, although the seriousness of the issue is not yet known.

He tweeted: “Big blow for Nakamba sustaining a knee injury. The severity will be revealed later in the week but if it is bad, #AVFC may consider sourcing a replacement in the transfer window.

“Villa have acted on injuries before in the Jan window and will be flexible enough to do so again.”

The in-form 27-year-old has been a key player for Steven Gerrard’s charges in the opening period of the current campaign, and his absence from the matchday squad to face Norwich will come as a huge setback.

Steven Gerrard will be gutted

News that Nakamba is expected to be unavailable for the trip to Norfolk and potentially beyond will leave Gerrard feeling gutted, given his importance to the first-team squad.

The Zimbabwe international has forced his way into the starting lineup in recent weeks, featuring from the off in Villa’s last seven top-flight fixtures – including all five games of Gerrard’s short tenure.

And when taking a closer look at the defensive midfielder’s underlying numbers, it’s easy to understand why he has become a mainstay for the Midlands outfit.

As per WhoScored, Nakamba has averaged two tackles per league game throughout 2021/22 – the third-highest total compared to his teammates – and 1.5 defensive dribbles, the highest tally amongst his colleague.

The midfield gem has also produced 0.8 interceptions and one clearance while recording a passing accuracy of 86.6%, highlighting his hugely effective displays of late.

With the busy festive schedule set to kick in, Gerrard will be disappointed to lose such a pivotal player at this moment in time, and he’ll be hoping the likes of Douglas Luiz and Jacob Ramsey can step up in his absence.

And, in other news…Imagine him & McGinn: Gerrard can form scary AVFC duo with £21k-p/w “special talent” 

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard included teenage midfielder Tim Iroegbunam in a senior matchday squad for the first time against Leicester City on Sunday, and a number of fans were quick to heap praise on the 19-year-old following the club’s official post.

Iroegbunam made the move to Bodymoor Heath over the summer from Midlands rivals West Brom. The central midfielder has since gone on to make 15 appearances for Villa’s under-23’s, three of which have come in the EFL Trophy.

He has seemingly impressed in recent months and was among a number of youngsters involved in first team training under former manager Dean Smith.

Gerrard also included Iroegbunam in his first training session as Villa boss and named the youngster on the bench in the 2-1 win over the Foxes on Sunday afternoon.

Villa fans react

Here is what these Villa fans had to say in reply to the club’s official Twitter post on Iroegbunam, with one labelling it as ‘great’ and another calling the 19-year-old a ‘baller’.

“Good move this. Best player on the pitch on Tuesday”

Credit: @SethRol05972053

“FINALLY”

Credit: @maxavfclove

“This tweet is better. Good. Inject it.”

Credit: @AVFC_AP

“Great to see him in the match day squad”

Credit: @MarkSparkyD

“Can’t wait for a song for this baller…”

Credit: @MarkJirobe

“Top top baller, basically Pogba but better”

Credit: @ItsBenSmith1404

In other news: Luke Hatfield urges Aston Villa to sign ‘unbelievable’ 24 y/o

Steve Bruce’s focus this transfer window is strengthening Newcastle United’s midfield rather than his options up front, journalist Liam Kennedy has told The Transfer Tavern.

It has been a frustrating window for Newcastle with little transfer activity, though things are starting to pick up a little bit.

In what will come as a welcome development to the St. James’ Park faithful, Joe Willock is close to signing for the club from Arsenal following an excellent loan spell on Tyneside last season.

Newcastle have also been linked with other midfielders such as Jens Cajuste of FC Midtjylland and Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury. And Kennedy expects that theme to continue, with that area of the pitch being a priority for Bruce in this moment of time.

“I don’t think it [striker] is an area that they’re really focusing on,” the Shields Gazette reporter said.

“I think they want a revamp in the midfield, which has been long overdue. Willock is the key to that and I think they want one other.”

All things considered, Newcastle could probably do with revamping their attack as well. An injury to their first-choice No.9 Callum Wilson, something they did have to deal with last season, and the Magpies suddenly look very light up front.

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa is now eyeing a move for Barcelona star Junior Firpo in the summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, the Whites are named among a number of clubs interested in signing the Spanish full-back this summer, with fellow Premier League sides West Ham and Southampton also said to be in contention.

The report added that Barcelona have made Firpo aware of Leeds’ interest in him, with the defender not averse to the idea of joining them from the Catalan giants.

Tipped for big things

While Firpo may not have had much game-time at Barcelona last season – he played just 18 times in all competitions – there’s no questioning that he remains a fine talent at only 24 years of age.

He was once tipped for big things by French defender Eric Abidal, who told Diario Sport (via Tribuna): “He’s a player with a lot of potential. He could be one of the best left-backs in the world. I always tell him that he must work hard and be aware of the (style of) play. He’s going to get better, for sure. It’s always difficult to get started at Barca.”

A profile done by Sky Sports in December 2018 revealed: “Standing six feet tall, Firpo has a rangy stride that he uses to power himself down the flank and make infield incursions. He is also no stranger to yellow cards, having picked up four in 13 matches this season.

“Spanish publication Marca describes him as ‘effervescent’, and he perfectly fits Betis coach Quique Setien’s attacking philosophy. He also possesses the versatility to step into a back three on the left.”

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Playing week-in and week-out could be the key to unlocking the potential that Abidal mentioned, and Firpo could do exactly that at Leeds under Bielsa. The Whites could strike gold with a move for the £17m-rated beast.

Meanwhile, Bielsa can wave goodbye to this flop…

Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett believes Tottenham Hotspur will receive an FA charge after some controversial footage emerged.

The Lowdown: Torrid time at Palace

Tanganga, who had started the season strongly at right-back, endured a nightmare afternoon at Selhurst Park on Saturday as Tottenham were beaten 3-0 by Crystal Palace.

The defender was sent off for two yellow cards, one coming on the back of an altercation with Wilfried Zaha on the counter-attack.

He will now miss Sunday’s game with Chelsea, but he could face a further charge according to Hackett.

The Latest: No doubt

As per Football Insider, Hackett has claimed there is ‘no doubt’ that Tottenham could face an FA charge for failing to control their players in the scuffle involving Zaha and Tanganga.

Hackett said: “I’ve no doubt, like we outlined with Chelsea, that the FA will bring a charge.

“I’m sure the FA will look at this particular incident, particularly if it has been put in the post-match incident report by the FA.”

Chelsea were fined £25,000 by the FA for failing to control their players in their 1-1 draw with Liverpool prior to the international break.

The Verdict: More bad news…

Despite kicking off the Numo Espirito Santo regime with three straight wins, Spurs were brought back down to earth with a list of errors on Saturday afternoon and a potential charge from the FA will just add to their problems.

Tanganga’s poor challenge on Zaha, where it seems he pushes the winger’s face at speed, was the start of the collapse from Tottenham and they were made to pay for it as they fell to a crushing defeat.

With the problems they endured in the aftermath of the international break, Tanganga joins the long list of players out and makes Sunday’s fixture with Chelsea an extremely difficult one.

In other news, Spurs set to earn bragging rights over Arsenal after UEFA news emerges. Find out more here.

Speaking in a football.london Q&A, reliable reporter Alasdair Gold has shared a new deal update involving superstar Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane.

The Lowdown: Spurs tying Kane down?

Despite his heavy links to an exit from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer, Fabio Paratici and co have been touted to offer Kane a new contract and keep him out of Manchester City’s clutches (The Sun).

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-developments/” title=”Tottenham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Journalist Ian McGarry, speaking on The Transfer Window Podcast, also claimed last week that Kane’s representative, his brother Charlie, wants Spurs to insert a release clause in any new and improved terms.

Now, Gold has come out with his update on the situation.

The Latest: Gold makes Kane contract claim…

Speaking in a Q&A, the journalist has shared what he knows ‘from those around’ Kane at Spurs.

Gold explains, in the aftermath of Kane’s summer statement, that Spurs sources believe a new contract is a question for the future.

Indeed, it appears the prospect of fresh terms for the 28-year-old isn’t entirely ruled out.

“I’d be stunned if both sides don’t look at a new contract for Kane soon,” Gold said (via football.london).

“In the aftermath of his statement about staying this season, the word I had back from those around him was that a new contract was a question for the future rather than in that moment.

“Ultimately though Spurs still have the power as next summer Kane will still have two years left on his current deal.

“As for a release clause, that’s not really Spurs’ thing. Toby Alderweireld’s one is the only example I can think of and there was some talk that that one came about because it was carried across from a previous deal.”

The Verdict: Best option for Kane?

Negotiating new and improved terms seems like Kane’s best option after his failed move to City in the summer.

At 29 next year, the odds of clubs splashing huge money for his services decreases season-by-season and chairman Daniel Levy will certainly not let his talisman leave easily.

Short of a transfer request or something equally drastic, it appears the striker has a decision to make on whether to make the most of his surroundings or bide his time and patiently wait for that potential move – if it ever comes.

In other news…Spurs source: Rising starlet could now be out for at least nine months after big injury blow, find out more here.

West Ham United have been linked with another Czech star this week…

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic, Slavia Prague centre-back David Zima is attracting interest from the east London outfit this summer, adding that he is a player the Irons have scouted this season.

The 20-year-old is under contract until 2023/24 and doesn’t have a release clause, so the Czech champions will be in no position to sell, especially as they believe he has huge potential.

That could change should he perform well at the European Championship in the next month, whilst it is also worth noting that he has the same agent as Hammers star Tomas Soucek.

Coufal 2.0

Despite his relatively young age, the 6 foot 3 colossus has been a regular presence in Prague’s starting XI. He played 35 times in all competitions last season, including some big Europa League ties against Bayer Leverkusen, Arsenal and Leicester City, having a major impact against the Foxes.

In their round of 32 knockout tie, the Czech beast silenced prolific talisman Jamie Vardy, keeping a clean sheet against him in both legs. The former England international lasted just over an hour in the first encounter before being withdrawn by Brendan Rodgers and was then thwarted by Zima again in the return leg.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-the-latest-gossip-and-much-more” title= “Read the latest West Ham news, transfer rumours, gossip and more!”]

As per SofaScore, he made three tackles and three interceptions, restricting Vardy to two shots off target and a disappointing 6.5 rating.

Valued at just £6.75m by Transfermarkt, football talent scout Jacek Kulig believes that Zima is someone who could generate a lot of money for Slavia Prague in the future and has likened his potential to that of Diego Godin.

“One of the most talented U-21 centre-backs in Europe in my humble opinion,” he tweeted back in January. “Slavia will make a lot of money with his transfer.”

Also described as a “complete and dominant” defender, Zima would certainly be a nice depth option for the Irons as they head into next season, where they will be tasked with the likely test of a minimum 50-match campaign thanks to their qualification for the Europa League.

David Moyes’ success with transfers of this ilk in recent windows should also provide further encouragement. For example, few would have heard of Vladimir Coufal until he sealed a bargain £5.5m move to east London.

He has been an instant hit and was arguably one of the clear contenders for the ‘Player of the Season’ award – WhoScored ranked him as West Ham’s fifth-best performer in 2020/21.

In Zima, Moyes could repeat this masterstroke and deliver the club another Coufal-like signing.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Diop: West Ham could seal bargain swoop for £13m powerhouse who “will explode”…

Everton are in a vulnerable position this season and have now found themselves in the relegation zone following their defeat in the Merseyside Derby, however, despite the struggles the club are still linked with transfer interests this summer.

What’s the latest

According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport (via Calciomercato), there are several Premier League clubs interested in signing Torino player Wilfried Singo, including Everton.

The report suggests that the club could make an offer for Singo, competing with Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and Leicester to secure his signature this summer.

Better than Iwobi

The 21-year-old has been performing at a high level for his Italian club, and has been deployed in predominantly a right midfield position this season but can also play right-back.

Singo, who was hailed a “revelation” by journalist Matteo Bonetti, has become more of an attacking threat for his Serie A team this season scoring three goals and contributing four assists, winning the majority of his duels (58%), making 1.6 tackles and 1.4 clearances on average per game, proving he can impose an attacking threat as well as providing defensive qualities.

With that being said, the Ivorian national could be the perfect upgrade for Alex Iwobi this summer following a disappointing stint at Goodison Park over the last three years.

Iwobi has only scored seven goals in 91 appearances for Everton, and despite playing on the left compared to Singo on the right, the impact in comparison that the latter could provide for the club would be huge if he can emulate his performances for Torino on Merseyside next season.

Frank Lampard has been giving Iwobi his second chance in the team since arriving in January, becoming a consistent player in the team and despite scoring the winner against Newcastle United last month has otherwise not positively impacted the team to secure safety from relegation this season so far.

Everton may have competition to sign the in-demand £13.5m-rated star, and it could be much harder to add Singo into the team if they drop into the Championship this season and Premier League clubs make a move for him. Therefore, the Toffees boss will need to work hard to make sure that he can secure top-flight football in the remaining games.

AND in other news: Frank set for disaster on “fabulous” £5.1k-p/w gem, EFC supporters may not forgive him