Jack Grealish injury: Aston Villa boss Dean Smith offers update with further scan set for next week

Villa have won just two of their last eight Premier League games without the star midfielder

Jack Grealish has six goals and 12 assists in the Premier League this season (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Aston Villa will be without Jack Grealish for a ninth successive Premier League match when they host West Brom but Wesley could make his long-awaited return this weekend.

The Brazil striker has been out since rupturing knee ligaments against Burnley in September 2019 but last week he played just over an hour for the Under-23 side.

In his press conference ahead of Sunday’s derby clash with the Baggies, Villa head coach Dean Smith said he will monitor Wesley with a view to including the 24-year-old in his matchday squad.

“We’re going to have a look at Wesley to see if he can be involved,” said Smith. “It’s been really tough. It’s as significant an injury as I’ve seen on a player, and it shows the strength of character for him to come back from it.

“During a pandemic, it’s been really tough as we haven’t been able to arrange the amount of games that we would normally get for someone recovering from an injury.

“We’ve had to improvise a little bit, but he’s certainly a willing lad and everyone will be pleased to see him back.”

As for Grealish, Villa’s captain remains sidelined with the shin problem that saw him withdrawn from training on February 18 on the eve of the home defeat to Leicester.

The 25-year-old watched the defeat to Manchester City from the stands at Villa Park in midweek and was spotted in conversation with England manager Gareth Southgate.

Smith revealed Grealish is set for another scan next week, saying: “There’s not really a timeline (on his injury) as such.

“He’s due to have a scan next week. Hopefully that clears it up and we go full board with training. We will be guided by the time and the medical practitioners.”

PA