Unai Emery has confirmed new signings Andres Garcia and Donyell Malen will be left out of the Aston Villa squad for the Champions League’s knockout rounds.
UEFA rules dictate that a maximum of three new players can be registered for the next stage of the competition. Villa were among the busiest clubs of the January transfer window, with five new arrivals at Villa Park.
In addition to the permanent signings of Garcia and Malen, The Villans brought in Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi on loan.
🚨 Aston Villa have confirmed their Champions League squad for the rest of the 2024/25 campaign.
➡️ Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio, Axel Disasi
⬅️ Donyell Malen, Andres Garcia #avfc pic.twitter.com/HTqGLCVzG2
— Aston Villa Statto (@AVFCStatto) February 7, 2025
The latter trio will be registered in the European squad with Garcia and Malen omitted. Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Tottenham in the FA Cup this weekend, Emery confirmed the difficult decision.
“The decision we had to take yesterday and they are out – Andres Garcia and as well, Donyell Malen,” he said.
“It wasn’t a good decision that I had to take but I spoke with Andres and I spoke with Donyell to tell them the decision.”
Emery also spoke on Marcus Rashford, who arrived on loan from Manchester United late in the transfer window. The Spaniard is delighted to welcome the England international into his squad.
“I’m very happy with him,” said Emery.
“The conversation we had was very normal, speaking about football and what I want of him.
“I think his potential is still big. I don’t want to know the reason he is leaving from Manchester United.
“I’m very happy to have him here, to try to help him to recover his performances.
“My challenge with him is a huge challenge. His challenge as well with us is a very exciting challenge. I am very happy.”
