Aston Villa will return to Championship action at the weekend when they meet Birmingham City in the season’s first Second City Derby.
The Villans will be hopeful that the players that went on international duty will return in condition to play, however, it appears that Dean Smith could have some bad news beginning to emerge.
James Chester has become a doubt for the game as he had to be forced off the pitch in the second half of Wales’ defeat to Denmark on Friday with a knee injury, although the severity of that problem is not yet known.
His fellow countryman, Neil Taylor, is also in a race to be fit after he had to come off in the Villans previous match against Derby County and subsequently missed the international break.
John McGinn is also struggling and could be unavailable for Smith’s side as he continues to try and overcome a calf strain.
The Verdict:
The triple injury blow ahead of the Second City Derby will have come as a huge blow to Aston Villa and Smith.
All three have been key to the Villans this season and fans will be hopeful that the trio will be available to face their fierce rivals on Sunday.
However, with the best part of a week to go, there is still some time for them to make a return and provide the club with a timely boost.
Aston Villa fans – thoughts?
