Aston Villa have been without star midfielder Jack Grealish during the last six Premier League games after suffering a shin injury during training in February.
Dean Smith’s side have managed just one win without their talisman – a 1-0 triumph over Leeds United – and they are currently on a run of four straight games without a win.
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Smith has been eagerly awaiting Grealish’s return NAOMI BAKER / Getty Images
Fortunately for Villa fans, Grealish has since had two weeks of extra recovery during the international break, and Smith has now revealed that the 25-year-old is in line to make his long-awaited comeback when Villa travel to Craven Cottage to meet Fulham on Sunday.
“We still have to deal with him obviously to make sure his load is not too much,” Smith told Villa TV on Thursday. “But his tolerance levels are really good with whatever pain there is at the moment. And obviously we have received scans that have also been really positive. So he is now looking forward to coming back to his best.
“I am [hopeful Grealish will play against Fulham]. That was the goal. When it first happened, we looked at the calendar and thought Fulham would be the first game [back]. “
Back on the green? Pic️ pic.twitter.com/NE26FZJt8x
– Jack Grealish (@JackGrealish) March 29, 2021
Smith also acknowledged that Grealish has excelled in training, raising tensions over his possible return.
“He has joined and his first session, I have to admit he was very, very good,” Smith continued. “It was nice to see what we have missed a bit, you sometimes forget how good he actually is until he comes back to training. He has been excellent, as you can imagine.
Grealish may be back in action soon James Williamson – AMA / Getty Images
“He missed it, it has been frustrating because there is nothing visually you can see with the injury he has had, it was just a shin injury, but we had to wait until he could endure the pain he was under.”
As one of the highest ranked midfielders in Fantasy Premier League Football, Grealish’s return will mean a lot to fans around the country. Like James Maddison, Tomas Soucek and Riyad Mahrez have been reliable deputies, but all indications are that Grealish may be back in action on Sunday, so it’s time to do your subs.
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