Aston Villa decided two months ago not to pursue a permanent move for Harvey Elliott, manager Unai Emery confirmed on Friday, leaving the Liverpool loanee in an increasingly uncertain situation.

Elliott joined Villa on a season-long loan that included an obligation to buy triggered by a set number of appearances. However, Emery revealed the club has intentionally avoided selecting the midfielder in Premier League matches to prevent that clause from being activated.

The 22-year-old, who won the Premier League title with Liverpool last season, has not featured in the league for Villa since September. His last appearance came in October, when he made a brief substitute appearance in the Europa League.

“The problem we have with Harvey is that this year he is on loan and if he plays matches, we must buy him,” Emery told reporters when asked about Elliott’s continued absence from matchday squads.

“We decided two months ago that we are not convinced to sign him and to spend the money required.”

Emery admitted the situation has been uncomfortable for all involved, despite Elliott’s professionalism throughout the impasse.

“I am respecting him as much as I can because he is a very good professional and very respectful,” Emery said. “He is training every day, helping us in training, but of course this situation is not good for him or for us.

“But this is football, and sometimes we have to take decisions that are not good for everyone.”

Villa currently sit third in the Premier League table, six points behind leaders Arsenal, ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Nottingham Forest.

However, Emery is dealing with a growing injury list. Tyrone Mings, Pau Torres, Amadou Onana, Ross Barkley, Evann Guessand and new signing Alysson will all miss the match.

“I don’t know exactly when they will come back,” Emery said. “Onana was injured on Tuesday, Pau was injured one month ago. Pau may be out for one or two weeks, and Mings as well. Onana will be longer.”

Emery also highlighted the physical demands placed on his squad by a congested fixture schedule.

“We are playing three years in a row in the Premier League, in Europe and in the cups — around 55 matches each season,” he said. “Hopefully again we will play around 55 matches, with many players also involved with their international teams.

“With this demand, the risk of injuries increases. We have to be ready with the players we have — and we still have enough players to compete.”