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One Massive Blow, One Massive Irritation But One Villa Star Is Back For Our United Test

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It was hardly the news any Aston Villa fan wanted as we prepared for our Mike Dean and penalty test against Manchester United at Old Trafford, but speaking to the Official Site during the build-up to tomorrow’s early kick off, head coach Dean Smith did confirm one massive blow for us, and then a second very irritating one.

Having put in a game turning substitute appearance against Everton, we now lose Leon Bailey until after the next interruption window as he strained his thigh – presumably when smashing the ball into the back of the net as we all assumed at the time.

“Leon has a strain which is likely to keep him out until after the international break. We would be hopeful that he would be available for the Wolves game but we will need to assess him nearer the time and see how he progresses over the next ten days or so.”

Added to that, following the impressive showing against Chelsea in the EFL Cup which ended in penalty defeat, the first half substitution of Morgan Sanson was owing to injury and the Frenchman has picked up a hamstring injury.

“He just felt a twinge in his hamstring. We don’t believe it’s going to be a bad one, he actually carried on for two or three minutes after which proves to me it’s not a bad one. It’s just he felt the twinge and knew it was time to get off. He’s been missing for the last three or four months with a knee injury and he’s worked really hard to get back to full fitness. He was building up his game minutes, so really frustrated for him but it will only be a small step backwards, that’s for sure.”

We could all see the frustration as he trudged off the pitch and the initial estimate is that the 27-year-old will now be out for the next month. If that is the timescale, clearly it’s not a bad injury and it would be wise to slow him down a touch next time round as he looks to really get himself up and running at B6 – as he impressed plenty whilst he was on the pitch in midweek.

We do have some good news though, Meatball is back and raring to go.

All eyes to the game but will the God’s be with us this time (or even a competent set of officials)?

Manchester United & The Tale Of The Inevitable Penalty

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