The latest news from the Villa physio room:
MATT TARGETT
The former Southampton full-back has yet to make his league debut following his switch to Villa Park
Targett, seen in many quarters as strong competition for Neil Taylor’s left back berth, tweaked his hamstring in Villa’s 6-1 rout of Crewe Alexandra in the Carabao Cup.
Targett sustained the injury whilst releasing the ball, rather than from a change of pace and was quickly removed from the action. However, the 23 year old remains ruled out for the foreseeable.
JONATHAN KODJIA
Jimmy Danger’s opening day injury suffered as a substitute at Spurs has left Villa looking decidedly short of options up front.
Kodjia remains an untested quantity at Premier League level, with the inconsistent striker afforded the opportunity through lack fo striking opportunities to be in rotation with Brazilian Wesley.
However, the former Bristol City front-man is now back jogging as he looks to overcome an ankle injury.
Despite this, he’s rated as just 50/50 to appear against West Ham, and will be lacking in match fitness.
JAMES CHESTER
Bizarrely written off in some quarters, having nursed a long term knee ailment, Chester is current out with a hamstring/thigh complaint.
Whilst it’s known that the knee injury Chester picked up playing for Wales in November 2018 has to managed, the 30 year old presented as fit in pre-season. His return to first team duties was hampered by the latest set-back in the summer friendly against Shrewsbury.
As opposed to limited striking options, Villa at least have ample defensive cover, enabling a proper recuperation for the Welshman, who hasn’t featured in the first team since January 2019.
Villa fans will recall all too well that owing to a depleted squad, Chester was forced to play on through the pain in Villa’s final season in the Championship.
Things are now different, with Dean Smith now also able to call upon Hause & Konsa to deputise for Tyrone Mings or Bjorn Engels.
MAHMOUD TREZEGUET
As an aside, and whilst certianly not injured, Trezeguet will be unavailable for the West Ham game following his sending off against Crystal Palace.