Aston Villa will not be welcoming Scott Hogan back into their squad tomorrow against Bristol City, with the striker still a week away from returning to the equation.

Steve Bruce hasn’t been able to call on Hogan yet this season, with the striker slowly making his way back from a groin injury over the course of pre-season.

Hogan has been back training with Villa’s first-team squad over the course of September, as Bruce looks to get him back up to speed and into contention.

Ahead of Friday evening’s trip to Ashton Gate, Bruce has provided an update on Hogan to Villa’s official Twitter account, confirming the striker isn’t ready to return just yet: “Scott’s had a few more sessions on the training pitch. I think maybe another week or so and he will come back into the equation.”

The 26-year-old has made 50 Championship appearances for Villa, returning just seven goals following his move from Brentford.

Nine of those goals came last season, with Hogan grabbing six in the Championship as Villa reached the play-off final.

In his absence this year, Jonathan Kodjia and Tammy Abraham have been leading the line for Bruce’s side, with the Villa boss opting to switch to a 4-4-2 system to accommodate the quality in his attacking options.

The Verdict

Hogan’s injuries have meant his Villa career has never really got going, with the Irishman yet to show his best in claret and blue.

Bruce is right not to rush Hogan back into action, as doing that could do long-term damage again.

It isn’t as if Bruce is stretched for options, so the sensible approach can be taken with Hogan.

Thoughts? Let us know!

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