Emery labels Harvey Elliott's difficulties at Aston Villa as 'humiliating for all parties'

Since moving to Villa on a year-long loan from Liverpool last season, Elliott has featured in only four Premier League matches.

His sole start in the league this term was against Fulham back in September, yet he was substituted at the interval and has not appeared in the top division since February.

Villa faced a mandatory purchase clause for Elliott at £35 million, triggered by the 23-year-old reaching 10 league outings.

However, the player, who shone for England's Under-21 side during their 2025 European Championship triumph, is now set to head back to Anfield once this campaign concludes.

In the lead-up to Fridays encounter with Elliott's parent club Liverpool, Emery commented: "It is something embarrassing for everyone involved in it. My apologies for Harvey Elliott are every day in my mind.

"But it is the responsibility. We have our responsibility and Liverpool have their responsibility.

"As a human and as a person, how the season has gone has been difficult."

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has stated that Elliott will get an opportunity to showcase his skills during pre-season with the team prior to any choices regarding his path forward.

"It didn't work out as he wanted it, as we wanted it and probably also how Villa wanted it, because you usually sign a player or bring him in on loan to use him," said Slot.

"He's contracted to us so he will be with us in the start of the season."