Aston Villa Injury Update
With the late additions to the Aston Villa squad during the summer and lack of proper preseason game time, it’s been difficult for Villa’s new-look team to get into any rhythm. Then came a bunch of injuries that upset Tim Sherwood’s attempt to find his first choice XI, but news coming out of Bodymour Heath today suggests the Villa boss will soon have a full hand to choose from.
The first good news from the Villa bosses report on the injury situation is Idrissa Gana is back in full-training and will certainly be in for consideration to start in the trip to Anfield.
Gana’s midfield dynamism was certainly missed in the recent games against both Leicester City and West Brom, and he’ll be a welcome return.
Adama Traore looks like he might make a late bid to play a part in the Liverpool clash, after returning to training today. While he will possibly be a better bet to be considered for a start the following week at Villa Park vs Stoke City, Traore could still sneak onto the bench at Anfield.
Long-term Returns
Other good news is the return to training of two of Villa’s more long-term absentees. Jores Okores is back in training, although it will be a few weeks until he’s up to speed and also Gary Gardner will be finally back training on Monday.
It should be interesting to see if a fully-fit Okore makes Sherwood rethink his defensive unit. In terms of centre-back positions, Okores would very much be up against Micah Richards for the right-hand side centre-back position, but would his return make Sherwood think long and hard about moving Richards out to right-back? Surely Villa’s strongest defensive line-up is Richards, Okore, Clark/Lescott, Amavi?
Certainly it’ll be food for thought, if the Villa backline continue to make sloppy mistakes that cost points.
Gardner will also be hoping he can finally make an impression and impose himself on the first-team squad. Villa’s midfield places aren’t nailed down yet by any means, so if he truly is good enough, there’s still hope for the Villa academy product.
Gabby Agbonlahor also will be in contention for selection against Liverpool after coming off at half-time against the Blues.
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No offence to Gabby, but we would be far better off if he misses out. Hopefully he will me made to earn his place back in the first team too by actually showing that he deserves to be ahead of other players , rather than simply handed it just because he is “club captain”.