New boss Steven Gerrard has been dealt some new selection headaches ahead of Sunday’s visit of Leicester City.
After victories over Brighton (2-0) and Crystal Palace (1-2), Villa fell to defeat despite a spirited 2nd half display against Manchester City (1-2).
Villa had to dig deep to get a foothold in the loss to City and exerted a great deal in the process of competing with Pep Guardiola’s side.
This has taken it’s toll Leon Bailey, who appears somewhat susceptible to muscle injuries due to his bursts of pace. The Jamaican international, signed from Bayer Leverkusen, pulled up sharply whilst on the counter during midweek. Bailey looks set for a spell out until at least after Christmas with a thigh/quad complaint that could easily stretch into the New Year.
Matt Targett, much improved in terms of form since Gerrard’s arrival at the club, is a doubt. The full-back fell heavily in the 2nd half whilst competing for a 50/50 aerial challenge. After a concerning number of minutes lay near motionless on the turf, Targett was able to walk from the field un-aided. It’s reasonable to assume that he might not be risked at the weekend following a head injury.
The Leicester game might also come too soon for Danny Ings who is recuperating from a troublesome hamstring injury. This could leave Villa dependent upon Ollie Watkins, with goal-shy Keinan Davis and prospect Cameron Archer in reserve. Like Targett, Ings may be subject to a late fitness test to determine any inclusion in the squad.