Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has revealed that he’s quietly confident that top scoring Jonathan Kodjia could in fact be fit for the Championship opener against Hull City.
We open up the 2017/18 campaign at Villa Park against Bruce’s former side on Saturday August 5 with a 5.30pm kick off following Sky selecting the game for live coverage and the gaffer has revealed that Kodjia is making very good progress and subject to no complications over our pre season campaign, he could in fact be ready to go on the opening day.
Having suffered a broken ankle against Blackburn Rovers back last April, the initial guess was he’d be out for around the six month mark following his surgery, but as he continues building his own fitness level in France, reports are extremely encouraging.
Speaking to the Official Site Bruce explained.
‘Kodj is 11 weeks in now and he`s working away in Paris. The reports we`re having back are very, very good. We expect to see him back in England on July 20. We are hoping then with another two or three weeks training after that he`s there or thereabouts.’
Bruce added.
‘We are delighted with how he`s getting on. We won`t give it up for the opening day. We will see what he`s like when he gets back from France.’
With Mile Jedinak’s surgery announcement the other day on his long standing and troublesome groin injury, Bruce said he expects him back in full training next week and he should link up with us when we’re back at Bodymoor Heath.
He also explained that Jack Grealish has been given a little bit more time off following his involvement with the England U21 European Championship over the summer.
‘Mile has had a groin operation and we expect him to be in and around us when we return next week at Bodymoor Heath. Jack has another 10 days or so left – I thought it was important he had some sort of holiday. He`s having an extended break.’
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