Speaking to the Birmingham Mail, Steve Bruce has confirmed that Robert Snodgrass is suffering from cracked ribs, admitting that his decision to risk the Scottish winger on Saturday against Sheffield Wednesday was a gamble that ultimately backfired.

Snodgrass had been a major doubt heading into Saturday’s contest due to injury, but Bruce confirmed the winger insisted on playing against Sheffield Wednesday despite his discomfort. The 30-year-old had to be substituted during the first-half at Villa Park, with Bruce forced to use two substitutes during the first 45 minutes of Saturday’s clash, with John Terry also forced off.

Bruce has now revealed the problem Snodgrass was suffering with, he said: “Obviously Snodgrass, I took a calculated gamble.

"He wanted to play, he cracked a couple of ribs. Typical Snoddy, he wanted to play but you could see he was in discomfort.”

Villa lost their unbeaten start to the season at Villa Park on Saturday, with Sheffield Wednesday taking all three points back to South Yorkshire. Goals from Adam Reach and Jordan Rhodes early in the first-half put Carlos Carvalhal’s side in control, with Chris Samba’s consolation coming too late in the contest for Villa, who now head into November’s international break sixth, with 26 points from their opening 16 fixtures.

The Verdict

Bruce has admitted that he took a risk with Snodgrass, and with hindsight, he may wish he had only limited the winger to a place on the bench in Saturday’s clash.

Villa were clearly not at the races during the first 45 minutes, which ultimately proved to be costly, as Bruce’s side never recovered from Sheffield Wednesday’s fast start.

Keeping players fresh and fully fit will be key to Villa challenging for promotion in the Championship this season.

Aston Villa fans… Let us know your thoughts!