Gasperini explains Bailey’s Aston Villa return from Roma: ‘Negative for him and us’

Gian Piero Gasperini confirms that Leon Bailey’s injury issues led to Roma’s decision to send the Jamaican winger back to Aston Villa: ‘We thought he could add real value.’

Aston Villa confirmed Bailey’s return from Roma on Wednesday, and Gasperini explained the club’s decision at a press conference later on.

“Unfortunately, Bailey’s experience has been negative for him and for us. On the very first training, he got injured, and from there, a real ordeal began,” Gasp said via Roma’s official website.

“The recovery was very long, then there were a few brief comebacks, but every time it seemed he could be fully available again, there was a relapse.

“It’s really a pity because he was a player we thought could add real value. I believe it was mainly the injuries that led to this decision. Since he was on loan, it’s clear we came to this decision. If he been owned by Roma, we probably would have carried on. This obviously opens up a spot in the squad. I don’t know what will happen in these last ten days; we’ll evaluate. I think that if opportunities arise, as they did with Malen, they should be taken; otherwise, we’ll carry on as we are.”

Bailey only made 11 appearances with Roma in the first part of the campaign, missing 17 due to injuries. The Jamaican provided two assists and collected barely 300 minutes on the pitch during his loan spell in the Italian capital.

He made his debut with the Giallorossi in mid-October, having suffered a muscle injury on his very first training session at Trigoria in August.

Gasperini spoke to reporters on the eve of a Europa League match against Stuttgart.

Roma sit 10th in the standings, just one point below the top eight that grants a placement in the Round of 16. On the other hand, those finishing from 9th to 24th will participate in the knock-out play-off.