Dean Smith has been given an injury boost ahead of Aston Villa’s meeting with Leeds United on Sunday, with Henri Lansbury, Mile Jedinak and Birkir Bjarnason ‘likely to be back’ in time to face the Whites, reports Birmingham Live. It’s unlikely Lansbury and Jedinak will start, however, as there are better options available to him. Bjarnason might stand a chance of featuring.
Smith started Glenn Whelan, John McGinn and Conor Hourihane in midfield against Stoke City on December 15, but the report states that the Aston Villa manager might make a change to his side for the Leeds fixture. United are top of the Championship table and boast five consecutive wins ahead of Sunday’s meeting.
Lansbury had made a long-awaited return to the Villa first-team before picking up an injury earlier in the month. Jedinak last made the matchday squad against Middlesbrough on December 1 and has been out of action ever since. With his last appearance coming all the way back in September, it’s hard to see the combative midfielder playing over the weekend regardless.
Bjarnason may at least make the squad if fit, however, as he’s been ahead of Jedinak and Whelan in the pecking order and provides further substance to the midfield. Time will tell who Smith names in his team to face Leeds.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
Aston Villa man ruled out for Leeds clash, ‘needs extra time’ before returning
