There’s fresh hope for Leon Bailey after reports in Gazzetta dello Sport revealed the Aston Villa winger, currently on loan at AS Roma, could return to action sooner than expected.
The 28-year-old suffered a muscle injury in his very first training session with the Serie A club last month, sparking fears he might not feature until after October’s international break. But Tuesday’s medical tests could clear him for a Europa League debut against Nice on 24 September.
Bailey’s Recovery Timeline
Bailey has been following a personalised training programme since the setback and is eager to showcase his ability to the Roma fans. While his fitness record has often been a source of frustration, there is growing optimism this latest injury may prove less serious than initially feared.
Whether or not he starts against Nice will depend on how he comes through the tests — but Roma insiders stress he is desperate to play.
Bailey’s Aston Villa 2024/25 Stats
| Stat (2024/25) | Leon Bailey |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 38 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Games Missed (Injuries) | 10+ |
source: club data – 8 September 2025
The figures highlight the dilemma: Bailey has the pace and skill to change games, but his impact has often been limited by recurring fitness issues.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William:
Bailey’s move to Roma was supposed to be a fresh start after an inconsistent spell at Villa. His injury on day one looked like a cruel repeat of the same problems. The news of a possible September return is a big boost — but both Roma and Villa know his career has always been defined by whether he can stay fit.
If he delivers in the Europa League, the option to buy could be tempting. But if setbacks persist, Villa will once again be left with an expensive, unreliable asset.
Key Insights
- Bailey injured in first Roma training session after joining on loan.
- Will undergo medical tests Tuesday to assess recovery.
- Could debut vs Nice in Europa League on 24 September.
- Made 38 appearances, 2 goals, 4 assists for Villa last season.
- Ongoing question marks over his long-term fitness.
What’s Next
Roma will receive clarity after Tuesday’s tests. If Bailey is cleared, he could be gradually eased into matchday squads this month.
For Aston Villa, Bailey’s loan spell is also a financial test. If he stays fit and impresses, Roma may activate the option to buy. If not, Unai Emery’s side could face the prospect of reintegrating a player whose Premier League impact has been inconsistent.
Can Leon Bailey finally shake off his injury troubles at Roma — or is his fitness always going to hold him back?
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