Emery admits Dendoncker's Aston Villa career has been 'really difficult' | OneFootball

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is glad to have Leander Dendoncker available for selection again heading into Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Chelsea.

Dendoncker started Emery’s first match in charge of Villa but the Belgian’s playing time has since been limited, and a domestic accident at home ruled him out of the club’s last three matches with a hand injury.

But the 27-year-old completed 90 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Bristol City last weekend, and Emery hopes the player’s “really difficult” start to his Villa career is now behind him.

“It has really been difficult. I arrived here and he could not play in the Carabao Cup because he was cup tied,” Emery told Birmingham Live.

“Then he had a problem at home and lost one or two matches as well. He went to the World Cup and, two weeks ago, had one problem at home.

“He is training with the team now. Of course, he didn’t go with his national team and I hope the next match against Chelsea he is going to be ready.

“It has been difficult for him because for one reason and another he has not consistently been available but we have time to try and use him, to train with him and add his performances to the team. Hopefully we can find the best of him after this break.”

Dendoncker joined Villa in a £13m move from Wolves last summer and he has so far made 19 appearances for the club in all competitions.