Garnacho, on 31 minutes, uses break for 'mini pre-season' at Villa

📰 Alejandro Garnacho, limited to 31 minutes for Villa so far, used the international break as a 'mini pre-season' to try to relaunch his season. 📌 Key points ⏱️ Garnacho played only 31 minutes in three league games before the break. 🗣️ He held several one-to-one meetings with Unai Emery. 🏋️ He did individual tactical sessions and a personal fitness programme. ⚽ He scored in friendlies against Southampton and Sevilla. 📈 Villa believe he has made clear progress. 📝 What happened ⏱️ The 22-year-old winger, on a season-long loan from Chelsea, managed 31 minutes in three league appearances before the break and was an unused substitute in four games. 🏋️ According to The Telegraph, he held repeated one-to-one talks with Emery at Bodymoor Heath, alongside individual tactical work to learn Emery's ideas and a personal fitness plan. ⚽ He scored in friendlies against Southampton and Sevilla, posting 'Ready now!' on Instagram after the Sevilla game. 🎙️ Emery had said earlier that Garnacho was a little behind because of circumstances in pre-season, and that it was time to be patient. 📊 By the numbers • League minutes before the break: 31 in 3 games • Unused substitute: 4 games • Friendly goals over the break: v Southampton and Sevilla • Age: 22 🔭 Why it matters Villa's loan includes a conditional obligation to buy and there is no way to end it early in January, so he must fight for a place against wingers such as £47m signing Ibrahim Mbaye. Villa host Brentford on 10 October, with a Champions League game against Fenerbahce to follow next week.