Unai Emery warns Chelsea loanee Alejandro Garnacho over Villa place

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has issued a stern challenge to Chelsea loanee Alejandro Garnacho, insisting the winger must drastically increase his work ethic to regain a spot in the starting XI. The 22-year-old has struggled to make an impact since arriving in the West Midlands, featuring in only three substitute appearances.

Emery made it clear that reputation will not secure minutes under his management.

He has to continue working. Work, work, train, work. When he can have minutes to play, try and play well. He is progressing, but we have players in front of him now. Unai Emery

The Villa boss highlighted that academy prospects George Hemmings and Ibrahim Mbaye, along with 20-year-old summer arrival Alysson, have moved ahead of Garnacho in the pecking order. Emery praised the youngsters for their quick adaptation to his tactical demands, signaling that the Argentine is currently out of favor.

Villa is coming off a morale-boosting Carabao Cup win against Coventry City, which provided a lift after a challenging start to the Premier League season. As the team prepares for a difficult upcoming fixture against Tottenham Hotspur, Emery faces further uncertainty regarding the fitness of midfielder Joao Gomes, who is being monitored by medical staff.