Frederic Guilbert has been short of playing time at Aston Villa this season and could do with first-team football elsewhere to boost his match fitness. Dean Smith appears to agree as Football Insider reveal plans to loan out the out-of-favour right-back when the winter transfer window opens.
Guilbert finds himself behind Matty Cash and Ahmed Elmohamady in the pecking order and isn’t likely to get many opportunities unless injury struck, so it may suit all parties if he’s allowed a temporary move away from Villa Park in January.
The 26-year-old has made only two appearances in all competitions this season, both of which have come in the EFL Cup. Guilbert was left out of Premier League matchday squads in September, October and November, but he’s since been an unused substitute.
Cash is a regular at right-back and Elmohamady is his backup, so Villa don’t need a third option. Guilbert is unlikely to be granted a permanent departure, however, as he could be Elmo’s long-term replacement when the 33-year-old’s deal expires next summer.
Until then, Villa need the Frenchman to get minutes so he’s in a position to challenge Cash in 2021/22. Guilbert risks stagnating by sitting on the bench for an entire season.
