Aston Villa omits Taylor Harwood-Bellis from Champions League squad

Aston Villa has omitted recent signing Taylor Harwood-Bellis from its Champions League squad. The decision comes just two days after the defender arrived at the club from Manchester City.

Manager Unai Emery explained that the club's maximum List A squad was reduced from 25 to 23 players because Villa failed to meet the minimum quota of eight locally trained players. Harwood-Bellis, along with Modou Keba Cisse and Brian Madjo, were left out of the 23-man roster.

Emery noted that the decision was based on deep analysis regarding the team's needs through January. He expressed hope that Harwood-Bellis will have the opportunity to play in European competitions in the future, potentially during the next registration period.