Aston Villa should have Matty Cash back in the squad for Monday’s clash with Nottingham Forest, according to Ashley Preece.

The Lowdown: Cash’s absence

Cash, hailed as ‘excellent’ by pundit Trevor Sinclair, suffered a hamstring injury last month in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City.

The 25-year-old missed the win over Southampton prior to the international break and was also absent in Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Leeds.

Steven Gerrard’s defensive injury woes went from bad to worse at Elland Road with Ludwig Augustinsson picking up an issue, but it seems as if he’ll get a much-needed boost against Forest.

The Latest: Preece’s claim

Preece took to Twitter on Tuesday lunchtime to share some ‘early AVFC team news’ before the trip to Forest on Monday.

He claimed in the story for Birmingham Live that Cash has returned to full training this week and is expected to be amongst the Villa squad that travels to the City Ground. Preece also added that fellow defender Calum Chambers is also likely to return in what would be a ‘double boost’.

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The Verdict: Needed

The majority of Villa’s injury problems so far this season have come to defenders, with Cash, Chambers, Diego Carlos, Augustinsson and Lucas Digne all picking up problems.

Therefore, having Cash and Chambers back will be welcomed by Gerrard, especially the former, who had been a regular prior to his injury.

Cash could well come straight back into the starting XI, which may allow Gerrard to use Ashley Young at left-back, should Augustinsson and Digne miss out.