Aston Villa updates for Ross Barkley and Leon Bailey before Brighton match | OneFootball

With Aston Villa preparing for Brighton & Hove Albion, being mostly healthy throughout the roster will give the team a lot of options to work with. It's known how much talent and how deep Villa are. Luckily for Unai Emery, it makes it easier when his side inevitably loses a player to injury. There was encouraging news in regards to two notable absentees on Tuesday, though.

Speaking with the media, the manager shared his pre-match thoughts before the Wednesday Premier League match. He informed the public that Leon Bailey would not be available for the fixture. The midfielder last played for Villa during the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 matchup against Club Brugge. Bailey entered at the half during that game.

He has since played for Jamaica during both of his country's national team fixtures. Since returning from the international break, however, Bailey has not been able to participate in training. The manager stated how his inability to participate in the preparation and where Bailey is at right now would make it difficult for him to see the pitch against Brighton.

Emery did offer more encouraging words regarding Ross Barkley. Since coming off in January against West Ham, the midfielder has worked himself back to training. Although the Spaniard did not outright say that he would be available or play against Brighton, he did offer encouraging words about his possible return.

Return for Aston Villa after dealing with injury

The knee issue has bothered the 31-year-old and prevented him from being fit enough for consideration in the squad. From the sound of it, though, if not on Wednesday, then Barkley should be back with the side in time for Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

There are a number of games in a short span of time for Villa. Between the FA Cup, Champions League, and aiming to finish in a higher spot in the Premier League, Emery will need the full complement of players for the closing months of the Aston Villa season.