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Smith Will Be Damned Either Way If Key Villa Star Makes The Squad

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Although Aston Villa have had a poor 2021 given the overachieving standards we set in the first half of the year, there has been significant progress across the season and although we are still far from the finished product, there’s definitely good reason for being optimistic about our future and we are set for another big year under head coach Dean Smith.

One of the main disappointments in the second half of the campaign has been our inconsistent form, but naturally, a huge part of that was losing talisman Jack Grealish to injury. Having last featured for us in mid-February in our draw with Brighton and Hove Albion, it’s largely been a game of cat and mouse in the media on when the 25-year-old would return and Smith has been very coy at points, albeit shin splints isn’t an easy injury to put a timescale on.

Although we have been here before, it seems like we might get a small lift this midweek as we face Everton on Thursday evening, as Jack could be back on the bench as long as there’s not another training ground slip up.

Speaking to the Official Site as he virtually met with with the media ahead of the game, Smith explained.

“The latest is he trained with the group yesterday and he trained with the group on Saturday. When he comes in today, I’ll speak to him today and see how he feels. We’ll sit down with the doctor as well and take it from there. I can’t give a positive yes or no. He looked comfortable and he’s a naturally fit player anyway. Is he ready to start games? No, but if he feels pain-free then he’s ready to be a part of the squad.”

Vital Villa’s Jack Grealish Forum Thread

With only four games remaining in the 2020/21 campaign, I’m not so sure I’d rush him back for this one. Seeing him on the bench would be a big lift for everyone, but if he’s there, fans will want to see him on the pitch and whatever Smith does then won’t be good enough for some, especially with everyone desperate to see us end the year on a high and with a string of wins.

You don’t need to look far on social media before you find fans who are very frustrated with how long he’s been out already, especially given the lack of a firm return date, so if Smith does select him for the squad, he’s damned regardless of what happens.

As long as he’s fit and raring to go for 2021/22, that’s all that really matters at this stage.

Would You Rush Jack Back Now?

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1 comment

  • Bicky says:

    Why can’t smith just be honest! He said it wasn’t a bad injury at first this could be his 12th match out ! Just be straight with the fans so we don’t have these great expectations!! Seems like they took him out the shop window limo.

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