Steven Gerrard has set the record straight over Aston Villa’s forgotten man Frederic Guilbert. The head coach has stressed there’s “no issue” with the Frenchman despite the 27-year-old being removed from the club website while he was also left out of this week’s official team photo for the season ahead.
Steven Gerrard said: “There is no issue with Fred Guilbert. We gave him the opportunity to move on in the summer. We were honest and open with him and his agent and that’s all you can do as a manager is be honest and upfront face to face. That’s what I was, that’s what the club was. He never managed to get a move so it is what it is. Fred knew how it would look for him if he didn’t get out and I think he’s rolling forward. He’s been professional at the moment. He’s had a niggle and an injury and hasn’t trained the last couple of weeks in terms of group sessions. That’s where that one is.”
According to Gerrard, Augustinsson – who completed back-to-back 90 minutes for Sweden last week – has been frustrated with his game time this season having yet to play a single minute since his loan switch from Sevilla.
Steven Gerrard added: “Lucas Digne is going to be missing in the coming weeks and Luda (Augustinsson) has told me he is going to be ready. He has been frustrated by his lack of time. He’s gone away and played two 90 minutes for Sweden. It is a big opportunity for him to step forward and step in.”
