The latest injury news from Villa Park ahead of a huge game against Manchester United
When? Thursday 9th July 2020 | Kick Off Time: 20:15pm (GMT)
TYRONE MINGS
Mings scored his first Premier League Villa goal at Old Trafford in the 2-2 draw earlier this season, but has been assessed for injury ahead of the game.
The England international defender has reportedly been passed fit after taking a kick to the calf during the Liverpool (2-0) defeat on Sunday.
JACK GREALISH
Few will forget the amazing goal that Grealish scored at Old Trafford earlier this season:
🔥 GREALISH 🔥
Jack Grealish scores a wonder strike for Aston Villa at Old Trafford against #MUFC
🗓️ December 2019 | 🏴 #AVFC pic.twitter.com/7ViEIHLTuz
— Villa Underground (@avfc_vilr) June 4, 2020
There was concerns throughout the Liverpool game about a knock that Grealish sustained, requiring treatment on and off the field repeatedly.
This was after Grealish sustained a couple of knocks to the ankle after heavy challenges at Anfield, but the England hopeful has been cleared to feature. Smith, who has limited talent of the calibre of JG to hand, would have been left pondering who could feasibly fill his boots.
The most fouled player in the Premier League, who has created the most chances in the Premier League behind Kevin De Bruyne, will be key to Villa taking anything from the game Thursday evening.
BJORN ENGELS
The Belgian defender had shown early season promise as the main partner to Tyrone Mings, but recurring injury continues to impede him playing any part in Villa’s survival.
The tall centre half looks set to miss out again against United, as not being expected to be have recovered from an existing achilles complaint in time.
TARGETT OUT
Matt Targett will definitely miss out at Old Trafford, the £10.5m signing from Southampton has struggled with hamstring injuries all season.
He picked up his latest hamstring problem in the opening minutes of Villa’s defeat against Wolves (0-1) and definitely won’t feature.
Neil Taylor, who impressed in spells against Liverpool (2-0), is therefore expected to continue deputising at left back.
GUILBERT
Given that Esri Konsa’s fortunes at right back have been mixed, it was perhaps a surprise to see the Frenchman remain an un-used sub at Anfield.
Indeed, as seen during the recent defeat against Chelsea (2-1), Liverpool (2-0) exploited the space down Villa’s right-flank in crafting opportunities that directly led to both of their goals.
However, Guilbert has been subject to a long lay-off due a troublesome knee problem. His recuperation was managed by a bespoke training programme during lockdown and the former Caen defender hasn’t had any game-time. The latter has proven particularly problematic for John McGinn, who has himself been slowly building match fitness game by game.
Whilst Konsa is a likeable player with many good qualities, he does appear much more comfortable at centre-half. Equally, given that Villa again have the worst defensive record in the Premier League, recalling a recognised right back in the form of Guilbert seems to be a no-brainer.
NEWSLETTER
Don’t forget to SIGN UP for our 100% FREE Villa Newsletter.
Almost 10 years of Villa News to your inbox – JOIN TODAY!
After Thursday we will have 4 games left I suggest Smith and Co go on gardening leave, and we give JT the reins, we have nothing to lose and his team selection especially defence will show how sidelined his opinions and suggestions have been dismissed by Smith and co. Time for change is essential even if we go down the quality of basic football has been missing all season