Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has told the club’s official website that playmaker Jack Grealish is set to return to the first team for this weekend’s clash with Championship play-off hopefuls Derby County.
Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish is set to return to action after a spell on the sidelines, manager Dean Smith has revealed. The playmaker has spent a spell on the sidelines through a shin injury, but with all things going as planned, he will be back this weekend.
Grealish picked up a shin injury back in mid-December and has missed the last 13 games, as Villa have won just twice in the absence of the 24-year-old. Now, Smith will be hoping that the return of Grealish can give them a much-needed boost as he searches for a first league win in five games.
“Jack has trained well and is available for selection,” Smith told the club website.
“Whether he starts or not, we’ll have to wait and see.
“He’s trained well and has worked really hard to get himself into contention. He’s pushing for a starting spot on Saturday.”
Prior to his injury, Grealish had played 22 games in all competitions for Villa so far this campaign. He has scored two goals and provided four assists and will be hoping to boost both his goal and assist tallies to try and help Villa up the table. They currently sit in 11th place in the League table after 34 games, eight points away from 6th placed Bristol City in the final play-off position.
