Ruthless Gerrard powerplay puts contract rebel Chukwuemeka in his place; two Aston Villa absences explained

Steven Gerrard has sent Carney Chukwuemeka a clear message after banishing him from the pre-season tour, while two further Aston Villa absences have been explained.

Aston Villa will face Leeds Utd, Brisbane Roar and Man Utd down under during their pre-season tour of Australia. However, three first-teamers including Carney Chukwuemeka won’t be present.

The 18-year-old is one of the most promising prospects Aston Villa have produced in recent memory.

The midfielder was recently England’s top scorer when helping the Three Lions be crowned Euro 2022 champions at Under-19 level.

Chukwuemeka scored the decisive goal in the final to bring his tally in the competition to three. He was also named in the team of the tournament.

Chukwuemeka made 11 league appearances last season and is likely to see that number swell next season if he stays. However, his contract status and apparent unwillingness to sign an extension is casting doubt over his future.

His current deal expires in the summer of 2023 and Villa are desperate to tie their starlet down to fresh terms.

His rapid rise has not gone unnoticed, with Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool among those all linked by one outlet or another. A move overseas would be a particularly bitter blow to Villa for reasons detailed here.

Gerrard gets tough with Chukwuemeka

Signing a new deal would settle Villa’s nerves, though according to Gerrard, an offer that has been in place for some time is no closer to being signed.

As such, Gerrard recently confirmed he’s commanded Chukwuemeka to continue his training back home instead of going on the Australia tour.

“Carney is yet to sign a contract offer that has been in place for some time now,” Gerrard told Villa TV (via the Bimringham Mail).

“I’ve decided the best thing for him would be to continue his training programme back at Bodymoor.”

Two more tour absentees explained

Aside from Chukwuemeka, Anwar El Ghazi and Kortney Hause also won’t make the trip.

El Ghazi has been linked with an exit after a flat loan spell at Everton last term. However, Gerrard confirmed the Dutchman’s absence is related to family matters, not transfer ones.

“Anwar El Ghazi and his partner are going to have their first child, so it didn’t make sense for him to be so far away from his family,” added Gerrard.

Hause, meanwhile, is still recovering from knee surgery. He would not have played a part in any of their matches or training sessions down under.

“Kortney Hause has had a small operation in the knee area,” continued Gerrard. “He can’t do many things from a pitch point of view so we thought it was the best decision to leave Kortney back at Bodymoor.

“We’ve got a fantastic medical facility there. Hopefully he can join us in the coming weeks. We wish him a speedy recovery.”