Aston Villa: Ibrahim Mbaye on the bench again against Nottingham Forest; Unai Emery explains why

Having arrived in Birmingham this summer from Paris Saint-Germain, the Senegalese striker has yet to make his debut for the Villans.

The wait continues for Ibrahim Mbaye at Aston Villa. The debut of the young Senegalese international, who arrived at Villa Park a few weeks ago, is still a long way off. Whilst observers were hoping to see Ibrahim Mbaye make his first-team debut against Nottingham Forest this Saturday, 12 September, in the Premier League, he is once again absent from the starting XI. But for Unai Emery, there is a reason why the Senegalese player’s debut is taking so long.

The Spanish manager explained Ibrahim Mbaye’s situation at the pre-match press conference.

“He is gradually getting to know us and is integrating better and better into our system. He is right in the middle of the process. He needs to be patient, get some playing time under his belt, demonstrate his qualities to help us, and work with a collective and tactical mindset as we build the team,” said Unai Emery.