Aston Villa leave two shock names out of Champions League squad that nobody expected

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has left two winter signings out of his updated squad for the Champions League knockout phase.

It was a busy January window for the Villains, who brought several high-profile players to the club as they continue to impress in all competitions.

Marco Asensio, Marcus Rashford and Axel Disasi all arrived on loan deals, while Donyell Malen was signed on a permanent deal from Borussia Dortmund in a move worth around £20 million.

Villa also completed the transfer of Andres Garcia from Levante but to the surprise of some, the 22-year-old full-back has been left out of their latest Champions League squad alongside Malen.

UEFA rules stipulate that a maximum of three squad additions can be added to a club’s European stage for the knockout phase.

And despite letting go of six players from List A in the winter, only clubs whose domestic league start and finish in the same calendar year have the possibility of adding more than three players.

Emery spoke about the decision to omit Garcia and Malen from his squad during a press conference on Friday.

“The rules only can accept and register three changes,” he said. “We did more changes in the transfer window than we wanted. Even though we lost one player more because Jaden (Philogene) was a club-trained player and we lost the opportunity through him to have one more.

“We changed five players and can only register three. The decisions we had to take yesterday and are out are Andres Garcia and Donyell Malen."

Emery added: "Of course, it’s not a good decision I had to take yesterday, but I spoke with Andres and Donyell to tell them the decision and I argued my decision with them.”

After finishing eighth in the league phase, Villa will face one of Borussia Dortmund, Sporting CP, Club Brugge or Atalanta in the round of 16.

Rashford has high hopes for Villa. Image credit: Getty

One of Villa's winter signings, Marcus Rashford, believes his new club can go far in Europe.

"Being back in the Champions League is hugely exciting," he said. "It’s the biggest competition for a club to be involved in, and they’re always great nights.

"We want to get as far as we can, and if we don’t aim to win it, then we’re never going to win it. I’m sure it will be a great experience for me playing for Villa in the Champions League."