Many Aston Villa fans have been giving their thoughts on social media after Jack Grealish was ruled out of Friday evening’s fixture against Newcastle United.

Birmingham Live reporter Ashley Preece was one of the first to break the news which Dean Smith confirmed on Thursday morning.

The 25-year-old will miss a fifth successive fixture when Villa travel to St James’ Park, with Smith ‘hopeful’ the club captain will return for the meeting with Tottenham.

Grealish has been suffering from a lower leg issue, however, the Villa boss also revealed that the playmaker has also been absent due to an illness this week.

Cash and El Ghazi boost

However, there was some positive news on the injury front ahead of the meeting with Steve Bruce’s side, with Matty Cash and Anwar El Ghazi set to be available.

Cash has missed the last four games with a hamstring issue, whereas El Ghazi missed the goalless draw with Wolves as a result of a bruised toe.

This is what these Villa supporters had to say in regards to Preece's post on Grealish, though, with one describing his continued absence as ‘annoying’.

Villa fans not happy

"So annoying he’s been out for 5 key and winnable games of the season"

Credit: @TomRutherford17

"I love Deano but I'm at the point where I don't believe a word he says about injuries. Constantly moving the goalposts on this one."

Credit: @coleman83avfc

"Would be great if the manager is more honest with fans. Selfish management"

Credit: @j_macgeever

"Pain, nice to see Cash back though"

Credit: @GW_94

"So Obvious it’s not a injury."

Credit: @Dannybarker1981

"I don't really know enough but I understand it's a shin type injury? Would wearing proper shin pads help?"

Credit: @DeanMucklow

In other news: Many Villa fans have slammed Smith for his 'stupid' training comments, find out more here.