Bailey injuries risk ruining Aston Villa’s 22.5m transfer plan

Leo Bailey has suffered a fresh muscle injury, and with less than 200 minutes played for Roma this season, the winger’s long-term stay at the Stadio Olimpico is uncertain.

Aston Villa loanee Bailey has been struggling with injuries at Roma and won’t travel to Glasgow for a Europa League game against Rangers due to a new muscle issue.

Bailey had recently returned to action from a muscle injury he sustained on his very first training session at Roma in August.

The Jamaican winger joined the Giallorossi on loan with an option to buy from Aston Villa last summer, but his recurring injuries suggest the Serie A giants won’t necessarily make his move permanent for €22.5m next year.

As reported by Gazzetta, Bailey took longer than expected to return from his first injury as he spent nearly two months on the treatment table.

The 28-year-old made his first appearance with the Giallorossi on October 18, coming on as a substitute in a Serie A match against Inter.

The following week, he started against Sassuolo, but only remained on the pitch for 50 minutes, while, on October 29, he replaced the injured Evan Ferguson after just seven minutes but was subbed off at halftime, prompting Gian Piero Gasperini to claim that, perhaps, he had pushed Bailey to the pitch too early.

Bailey has only started one game for Roma this season and made four substitute appearances, collecting just 166 minutes of football.