Villa are gearing up for a massive clash with West Brom, with local rivalry (arguably) taking a backseat with promotion charges now each clubs priority.
Despite Villa’s recent fantastic form, this has come at a cost, with a number of players either now carrying injuries or ruled out altogether.
INJURY UPDATES
Tammy Abraham
The 21 year old prolific striker was withdrawn in the final ten minutes for the 3-0 away win at Middlesbrough. He is being monitored for fatigue and having sustained a kick [1]. Abraham is expected to feature against West Brom, but will need to be monitored to ensure that lack of rest doesn’t lead to the Chelsea loanee incurring an unnecessary injury. Villa are separately mindful of Abraham’s parent club’s ability to exercise their option to recall him in January.
Albert Adomah
Adomah, who suffered a twisted knee in the epic 5-5 draw against Nottingham Forest, is expected to be available for selection to The Hawthorns [2]. Whilst Adomah had struggled for form earlier this season, especially after Steve Bruce’s attempts to offload him to Boro on transfer deadline day, he has since returned with key assists.
Mile Jedinak
The recently retired Australian international Captain is now available for selection. Jedinak made the bench for the last game at The Riverside, but is not believed to be fully match fit.
Birkir Bjarnason
The Icelandic international continues his recuperation from surgery and remains unavailable.
Henri Lansbury
Lansbury will likely be disappointed after suffering an immediate hamstring injury having come only just come on as a substitute in the thrilling home win against Blues. The former Arsenal and Nottingham Forest midfielders career has never really begun at Villa and he will presumably want to kick-start his season with a more progressive manager at the helm. Lansbury is expected to remain sidelined for a number of weeks, with a return to action yet to be determined.
James Bree
After missing all of October and November, the promising right back is expected to return to training this week.
James Chester
The Welsh international is being nursed along with a troublesome knee. Chester has been integral to Villa’s rebuild in the Championship, but his recent form has dipped due to having to play on this injury. Villa have James Collins to consider, but keeping Chester fit and mobile are key to the club sustaining it’s promotion challenge. Expect the former Albion man to feature at The Hawthorns, but his knee remains a concern.