Aston Villa made it back-to-back losses after they were beaten 2-0 by rivals West Brom at Villa Park over the weekend.

Defeat to Darren Moore's side comes straight after a 1-0 loss to Brentford, leaving Aston Villa's promotion dream in tatters.

Amid this current bad period, though, the club could be about to be given a huge boost.

The Breakdown

Attacking midfielder Jack Grealish looks to be closing in on a return from an injury that has kept him out of action since December with his manager Dean Smith optimistic he could be available for the upcoming Stoke City clash.

"I’m hoping Jack may be available for the bench at Stoke. He is working on his fitness side at the moment," Smith was quoted as saying by Express and Star. "He is in no pain but I will be guided by the medical staff."

Following Smith's appointment as Steve Bruce's successor in the Villa Park dugout, Grealish was one of the players who had really gone up another level under his new manager, putting in some very creative performances.

The 23-year-old's absence has undoubtedly weakened this Villa side and, ultimately, hampered their chances of promotion.

His return, nevertheless, could still be massive as the Villans look to get a run together, while that last play-off spot is not completely out of sight just yet.