Aston Villa encouraged by Alejandro Garnacho progress after intense mini pre-season

Aston Villa reportedly believe Alejandro Garnacho has made “clear progress” after putting the winger through an intensive individual programme during the international break.

Garnacho joined Villa on loan from Chelsea during the summer in a deal containing a conditional option to buy, but the 22-year-old has endured a slow start to life under Unai Emery.

He played only 31 minutes across three Premier League appearances before the break, with Emery admitting the former Manchester United winger was behind several teammates after a disrupted pre-season.

Villa have now used the international window to accelerate Garnacho's development, combining individual tactical and fitness work with several one-to-one meetings involving Emery.

According to The Telegraph's John Percy, Garnacho has effectively undergone an “intense mini pre-season” as he attempts to rebuild his Premier League career.

Emery and his coaching staff have worked individually with the Argentina international to improve his understanding of the manager's tactical principles and demands.

Garnacho has also followed a personalised fitness programme.

The work appears to have produced encouraging early results, with the winger scoring in friendly matches against Southampton and Sevilla.

Most significantly, the report says there is now an internal belief at Villa that Garnacho has made noticeable progress over the past fortnight.

Emery had already explained why Garnacho was receiving limited opportunities during the opening weeks of the campaign.

“[He has to] continue working. Work, work, train, work,” Emery said last month. “When he can have minutes to play, try and play well. He is progressing, but we have players in front of him now.”

The Villa manager specifically highlighted George Hemmings, Alysson and Ibrahim Mbaye as players providing competition.

“We want a competitive team and players to compete in the style we have,” Emery added.

“Garnacho is a little bit behind, because of some circumstances we had in pre-season. It is time to be patient for the time he needs.”

The international break has now provided Garnacho with the concentrated training period he was previously missing.

The next challenge is turning that training-ground progress into competitive performances.

Garnacho arrived at Villa following difficult periods at Manchester United and Chelsea, making this loan an important opportunity to re-establish himself in the Premier League.

The existence of a conditional purchase option also gives Villa a longer-term decision to make depending on how his season develops.

For now, however, Emery's approach appears focused on preparing Garnacho properly rather than rushing him into the starting XI.

Goals against Southampton and Sevilla in friendlies offer encouragement, but competitive performances will ultimately determine whether the winger has successfully responded to his mini pre-season.

Garnacho will now attempt to turn his improved fitness and tactical understanding into more Premier League minutes. Villa's internal assessment is reportedly positive, but earning a regular role remains the next significant test as he competes for a place in Emery's attack.