Elliott's wasted Villa loan embarrassing - Emery

Harvey Elliott has made four appearances for Aston Villa in Europe this season [Getty Images]

Midfielder Harvey Elliott's wasted loan at Aston Villa is "embarrassing for everyone involved", says manager Unai Emery.

Elliott, 23, has played only 109 minutes for Villa in the Premier League during a season-long loan from Liverpool.

Villa had an obligation to make the deal permanent for £35m if Elliott played 10 league games, but he has played only four.

Villa wanted Elliott to return to Anfield in January but the clubs could not come to an agreement.

"To now explain about the reason for this decision is very difficult, or it is easy, but it is not the moment," Emery said.

"My apologies for Harvey Elliott are, every day, in my mind. We have our responsibility and Liverpool have their responsibility.

"How the season has gone has been difficult."

Liverpool travel to Villa on Friday, with Elliott unable to play against his parent club. The winners will book a place in next season's Champions League.

Elliott's only league start this season came in September - against Fulham, when he was taken off at half time - and he has not played in the league since February.

Elliott won Euro 2025 with England Under-21s and was named player of the tournament after scoring five goals.

He joined Villa hoping to force his way into the senior team for the World Cup, but U21 team-mate Elliot Anderson has won seven caps to become a regular under manager Thomas Tuchel.