Following back-to-back draws in the Sky Bet Championship, Aston Villa will be looking to return to winning ways this weekend when they face Derby County at the Pride Park Stadium.  

Both Villa and Derby are in top-six contention this season, and Steve Bruce has been previewing tomorrow's clash with Villa’s official Twitter account (@AVFCOfficial), providing an injury update on his side.

Bruce has confirmed that Mile Jedinak, who has missed Villa’s last two fixtures through injury, has had a full week in training ahead of the trip to Derby and is in contention to return following a brief lay-off.

Whilst Bruce was able to provide a positive update on Jedinak, Villa are facing more pressing injury concerns, with a number of key absentees.

Chris Samba, Henri Lansbury and Alan Hutton, who all featured last time out against Millwall, are looking set to miss Saturday’s trip to Derby through injury, with that trio joining the likes of Jonathan Kodjia, Andre Green and John Terry on the sidelines.

Villa head into tomorrow’s contest in fifth, trailing Derby by one-point following their consecutive draws in the Championship.

The Verdict  

Bruce will be delighted to have Jedinak back in the fold, as the Australian is a key member of Villa’s squad and brings plenty of quality and experience.

However, Bruce will be frustrated by yet more injury news, with Villa having a number of absentees heading into a crucial run of fixtures, where the depth of the club’s squad will be seriously tested.

Bruce should have enough quality to manage tomorrow against Derby, but will be worried about a hectic festive period.

Aston Villa fans… Let us know your thoughts!

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