Aston Villa make some surprising omissions from pre-season trip to Germany

Aston Villa are set to embark on their second pre-season training camp of the Summer as they exchange Birmingham for Germany. Because of the finite number of spaces in the camp, a number of senior players have been left behind - likely making up the Villa transfer list. Villa will take part in the ‘Cup of Traditions’ tomorrow, before playing Arminia Bielefeld on Tuesday evening, but some big names won’t make those games, as revealed by the Birmingham Mail.

The biggest surprise? The omission of Ross McCormack. The Scottish striker was believed to have been given a second chance at Villa Park, but his position looks unstable and this could be a big sign that he will be moved on. With youth graduates like Harry McKirdy and Callum O’Hare making the squad, there was room for Ross, but it looks like he won’t be at Villa much longer! Steve Bruce might be ready to open up a space on the team though, if McKirdy and Co aren’t ready for the big time just yet. It’s a gamble, but surely it’s better to trust in the youth at this point?

Gary Gardner was another big surprise, and we’ve got that covered here. Aaron Tshibola and Tommy Elphick won’t be making the trip either and are headed for the door at Villa Park. That means three of Tony Xia’s summer signings a year ago are on their way out. Jordan Veretout and Aly Cissokho also miss out, because of imminent moves. Jordan Amavi will make the trip though, which likely shows he will be staying at Villa for another few weeks at least.