With the September international break almost behind us now, Aston Villa can turn their full attentions to this weekend’s clash with West Ham United, and speaking to the media this week, there’s both good and bad for head coach Dean Smith when it comes to our injury situation.
Speaking to the Official Site, Smith Confirmed that James Chester had now returned to full training following his incredibly lengthy spell on the sidelines – but obviously it’ll take him a while to get back to full match fitness and come into his thoughts.
Summer signing Marvelous Nakamba is close to making his Premier League debut though, and Smith admitted he was in his thoughts for Monday’s clash.
“James Chester trained for the first time again this week. He’s been out since the Shrewsbury game in pre-season, so his rehabilitation will take longer. But he’s in and around us now. As for Marvelous, he’s close to being ready. Everyone saw him play against Crewe, where he was finding his fitness in that game. He got better as that game went on and hasn’t missed a training session since. He’s looking good. He’s pushing the likes of Douglas Luiz and Conor Hourihane, who has played well for Ireland. Henri Lansbury is also training really hard. He’s also pushing for a place. Players know they’ve got to be at their best because there’s plenty behind them.”
Jonathan Kodjia and Matt Targett are unlikely to come into his thoughts for this one as Kodjia took a knock to the head over the international break, and Targett has more of an eye on the Arsenal clash.
At least we’re closer to a clean bill of health and we should begin seeing more of other players now as Smith continues tweaking as we search for more wins this year.
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