Aston Villa face a growing headache over Alejandro Garnacho after the winger’s start at Villa Park has brought little football. The 22-year-old joined from Chelsea on a season-long loan in July, with a conditional £43m obligation to buy if he reaches agreed milestones.

Garnacho has played just 31 minutes across three substitute appearances. He came on for four minutes against Brighton, 12 against Arsenal and 15 at Hull City. Since then, he has watched four matches from the bench, including wins over Club Brugge and Tottenham.

That lack of involvement has raised questions over whether Garnacho will stay beyond January. Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider reported on Sunday that the Argentina international could agree to leave Villa if his position does not improve. O’Rourke had previously said Emery wanted to give the winger time to settle.

The loan agreement creates another complication. Chelsea cannot simply recall Garnacho in January, while Villa cannot unilaterally send him back. Both clubs would need to agree to an early termination, according to reports. Chelsea have no stated plan to bring him back into their squad, either.

For now, Emery appears willing to wait. The Villa boss has stressed Garnacho needs time, hard work and consistency before he can demand a regular role. That patience makes sense, yet the lack of minutes gives the situation an awkward edge.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea arrives at the ground prior to the Premier League match between Sunderland and Chelsea at Stadium of Light on May 24, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Villa signed Garnacho after losing Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for a reported club-record £117m fee. Garnacho arrived with eight goals and four assists from 43 appearances for Chelsea last season, so expectations followed.

The issue sits beyond his output. A player cannot reach the milestones behind a £43m obligation without playing, and Garnacho currently has little opportunity to build momentum. Emery may trust his adaptation process, but footballers need competitive minutes to show what they can offer.