Unai Emery insists Donyell Malen is an important part of his squad despite his lack of starts but admits the game time he has received since joining has been unfair.

Malen signed for Villa from Borussia Dortmund in January for £20 million, replacing Jaden Philogene , who left for a similar fee to Ipswich Town.

However, the 26-year-old has started only two Premier League games and just one of the last 15, despite being fit and available.

Malen was also left out of Emery’s Champions League squad for the knockout rounds last season following the three loan additions of Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio, and Axel Disasi.

The Dutch winger, who is also capable of playing up front, registered two goals and three assists in pre-season. He also scored in three consecutive league matches last

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