With the buildup to this weekend’s clash with Ipswich Town and former manager Paul Lambert, Aston Villa head coach Dean Smith has had some positive news on the injury front at the club.
With our form wobbling (to put it politely) since Jack Grealish went down with his injury problem, Smith had confirmed this week that centre-half James Chester has been playing through the pain barrier for us over the last month and a bit, but we’ve been able to get a week of training into Mile Jedinak as he nears a return.
The Australian beard also featured in a recent behind closed doors friendly to get fitness levels up and he got an hour under his belt, and he was joined in the 4-2 victory over Swindon Town by Scott Hogan, Jonathan Kodjia, Anwar El Ghazi and Kortney Hause as they all looked for greater sharpness.
Axel Tuanzebe is also now out of his protective boot following his issue and Smith told the Official Site that he would resume ‘light work’ shortly.
Henri Lansbury remains a month away from a return but Glenn Whelan’s shoulder issue has cleared up and he’s back in full contact training as well.
“Jack is due to go out and run next week. That’s a big positive for him and us. When he gleefully told me today he was due to run outside next week, he said ‘you can arrange a game for me as well’. He’s very keen to get out on the pitch. He has an enthusiasm for playing and wanting to play so we will certainly have to have the reins on him. But I will want him back as soon as we can as well.”
It shouldn’t be too long now thankfully before Jack is back and we all know what difference he can make when he’s back up to full speed.
