Aston Villa head coach Dean Smith has now given a full injury update as we head into the clash with Stoke City this coming Saturday.
With news that Birkir Bjarnason is back in training although the expectation is he’ll miss out on this one, speaking to the Official Site as he met with the media ahead of the clash against Gary Rowett’s relegated side, there were also updates on Albert Adomah, Henri Lansbury, James Bree and Mile Jedinak.
The major update though is that given the worries over Jack Grealish following his substitution late on against West Bromwich Albion and his social media about picking up a knock, Smith has confirmed he has a shin issue and is struggling, so highly doubtful for the game.
“Jack Grealish is struggling for Saturday. He’s had a shin injury. It doesn’t help being the most fouled player in this league – being kicked from pillar to post. It’s one we’re going to have to assess and make sure he’s right because I don’t want to risk anything – certainly long-term. We will give him as much time as he needs to come back.”
Saturday appears to be too soon for Bjarnason, Adomah and Lansbury as although all three are back out on the training pitches, Adomah is closest, otherwise we’re looking at the Leeds United clash.
Bree is also back out amongst the group training now, and Smith expects Jedinak to be back next week.
Neil Taylor is out with a hamstring problem and he’s going be a couple of weeks.
It’ll be interesting to see how Smith pivots if Jack is definitely ruled out, as plenty of fans would instantly call for Jake Doyle-Hayes or Callum O’Hare to be given a crack, depending on their own fitness.
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