Alejandro Garnacho's loan spell at Aston Villa is under scrutiny after he has managed only 31 minutes of action this season. The 22-year-old forward, who joined on a season-long deal from Chelsea, has not featured from the bench in the club's last three matches.
His move includes a conditional permanent clause worth around £43 million, but the terms for that to be triggered now appear unlikely to be met. Garnacho was born in Madrid and came through Atletico Madrid's academy before his career took him to Manchester United and then Chelsea.
Villa manager Unai Emery addressed the situation directly, outlining the challenge Garnacho faces. "Continue working. Work, work, train, work," Emery said. "When he can have minutes to play, try to play well. He is progressing, but we have players in front of him now."
The competition for attacking spots is fierce, with Hemmings, Alysson and Mbaye all impressing. Garnacho's lack of involvement also saw him omitted from the latest Argentina squad. He will instead join the Villa squad for a mid-season training camp in Spain.
Aston Villa's recent form has been mixed, with the team sitting 16th in the Premier League on four points from five games. They face a tough next assignment at home to Brentford, who are currently fourth in the table.
Garnacho scored 26 goals in 144 appearances for Manchester United before a £40 million move to Chelsea last summer. He netted eight times in 43 games for the Blues, but only once in the Premier League. He still has just under six years remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge.
Villa's next match is against Brentford at Villa Park on 10 October, followed by their first Champions League home game of the campaign against Fenerbahce. The club's current injuries list includes Amadou Onana, Brian Madjo and Pau Torres.
This story first appeared at Daily Mirror Football
