Villa travel to Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United tomorrow night (Kick Off 8pm) – here are the latest injury updates in relation to Jack Grealish, Matty Cash, Anwar El Ghazi and Wesley.
MATTY CASH
In his pre-match press conference, Dean Smith reported the positive news that Matty Cash is back in the Villa squad to face The Magpies.
The right-back position has been significantly improved since Cash’s arrival from Nottingham Forest and the 23-year-old has been a big miss following a hamstring injury.
Smith’s gamble to give Frederic Guilbert game-time backfired, and whilst the Frenchman is impressing for loan side Strasbourg, Villa were forced to recall Ahmed Elmohamady to the starting XI.
Although the Egyptian international brings bags of experience, a dismally defended goal in the defeat to Sheffield United served only to remind us of the upgrade that Cash represents.
Embed from Getty ImagesJACK GREALISH
Villa’s captain won’t travel with the squad as he continues his recovery from a “lower leg injury” (Shin). Smith provided additional insight that the England international has also been knocked back by illness this week.
This is the fifth game Grealish will miss at a time where Villa’s attacking threat appears to have dissipated from its early-season promise.
It’s hope that Grealish will return for the visit of Spurs to Villa Park on the 21st March.
Embed from Getty ImagesANWAR EL GHAZI
The former Ajax winger has blown hot and cold this term, but the absence of Grealish left Smith with even fewer creative options against Wolves (0-0).
El Ghazi is reported to be fit and available for selection having sat out last weekends game, having recovered from a bruised and infected toe.
Embed from Getty ImagesWESLEY
The Brazilian striker who has endured a torrid time following a horror knee injury on New Years Day 2020 was this week pictured back in first-team training.
Wesley’s recuperation has been lengthy and though it’s pleasing to see him back with the squad, it remains unclear as to when he will return to action.
Whilst Ollie Watkins has been a revelation since his switch from Brentford, there’s no denying that Smith’s back-up option in Keinan Davies appears woefully limited. However, given that the 24-year-old only resumed contact training and small-games on the 1st of March, it’s unsurprising that Smith has indicated that “patience” will be required before we see him in action again.
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