The Birmingham Mail's Ashley Preece has confirmed a huge Aston Villa boost ahead of their Premier League clash against Chelsea next week.
What's the story?
The summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen has barely had any chance to show Villa fans what he is capable of following his move from the German club, with him missing the last two matches in the top flight due to a hamstring injury.
However, Preece has now delivered a huge boost to both Dean Smith and the club's plans over Bailey's condition ahead of the return of the Premier League in a week's time.
Writing on Twitter, he said: "Some positive news to start Friday off - Leon Bailey in contention to start at Chelsea next weekend."
Villa fans will be excited
After coming off the bench to great effect against Watford on the opening day - he marked his Premier League debut for the club by setting up John McGinn's goal and almost sparking a late comeback - Bailey has seen his early Villa career stall somewhat due to injury.
Speaking before Villa officially confirmed the deal to sign the winger, Alan Hutton threw his backing behind a move for the Jamaica international.
He said: "I’m so excited to see this one. I’ve heard a lot about him over the past two or three seasons. He’s obviously still very young but he’s electric, he gets people off their seats. That’s what you want in a player.
"But what’s more impressive, 15 goals and 11 assists from wide areas in the German league. That’s unbelievable. It’s the kind of consistency you want from your wingers."
Bailey has earned rave reviews for both his performances and abilities over the years, and it's comments like those below which are sure to excite Villa fans now that he is in contention to play against Chelsea, as Preece has hinted.
Former Ajax youth coach Ronald de Boer once said of the Jamaican: "He’s so fast it’s not normal. His speed, combined with his technique, is very rare. Exceptional. He has no weak points."
Leverkusen's sporting director Rudi Voller added: "He's got extraordinary pace, he's very skilful with the ball, and he will give further impetus to our attacking department."