Clock ticking as Aston Villa face Champions League dilemma

Unai Emery’s squad was bolstered by five new additions during the transfer window, including the high-profile loan acquisitions of Marcus Rashford, Mario Asensio and Axel Disasi.

Winger Donyell Malen also joined from Borussia Dortmund in a permanent £21million deal, with right-back Andres Garcia arriving from Levante for £5m.

But Uefa rules state a maximum of three new players can be added to Champions League squads for the knockout phase, leaving Unai Emery facing a dilemma over which two of his five signings to leave out. Villa, who let six senior players depart during the window, have until midnight on Thursday to submit their updated list to Uefa.