Jadon Sancho snubbed? Unai Emery's explanation for benching Man Utd loanee against Everton as winger is forced to wait on Aston Villa debut

When the team list for the Everton clash was released on Saturday, Sancho's name appeared in the matchday squad, but he started on the bench. Emery used four substitutions in their goalless draw against the Toffees, but Sancho did not get an opportunity to make his Villans debut.

Before the game, Emery had claimed that, while Sancho is training with the main team, he is yet to gain full fitness, and it will take some time before he gets game time. The Spanish coach told reporters, "They are in the squad. They were working with us last week and this week. Different circumstances for each one – for example, Jadon Sancho was not training with the group, and physically, he will need time. But he is training normally, and he is in the squad for tomorrow."

Harvey Elliott, who moved to Villa from Liverpool on a season-long deal with an obligation to buy, came off the bench against Everton in the 71st minute, replacing Emi Buendia. 

While Emery has not given out a specific date, Sancho could hope to play some part and finally make his debut for his new club in their upcoming Carabao Cup third round clash on Tuesday against Brentford.