Aston Villa are set to be boosted by the return of Birkir Bjarnason for this weekend’s play-off semi-final with Middlesbrough.

Steve Bruce’s side head to the Riverside Stadium tomorrow evening for the first-leg of their play-off semi-final, with Bjarnason set to hand Villa a huge boost.

The 29-year-old Icelandic midfielder has recovered from a back injury and will be in contention to feature against Boro - @AVFCOfficial.

Whilst Bjarnason’s availability adds to Villa’s bodies in midfield ahead of tomorrow, there wasn’t positive news on defensive duo Neil Taylor and Axel Tuanzebe.

Taylor is set to miss the trip to the Riverside with a hamstring problem, which has bothered the left-back over the last couple of weeks.

The versatile Tuanzebe will also be absent against Boro, with the Manchester United loan star struggling with an ankle problem.

That duo look set to be Villa’s only absentees tomorrow, with Bruce’s squad almost at full strength ahead of their doubleheader with Boro in the coming week.

The return leg of the play-off semi-final takes place at Villa Park on Tuesday evening.

The Verdict

Bjarnason has had some big moments in big games this season for Villa, so his availability is a big boost for Bruce ahead of tomorrow.

Of course, Taylor and Tuanzebe sitting out is a blow, but the rest of Villa’s squad is in good shape ahead of a crucial week.

Aston Villa fans… Let us know your thoughts!