Dean Smith has revealed Aston Villa will be without the services of star attacker Jack Grealish for this weekend's clash with Stoke City.

The 23-year-old will be out with a shin injury, but the Villa boss remains hopeful that the attacker will be available for the rest of the busy Christmas period.

"He's got a shin injury," Smith revealed to Gregg Evans of the Birmingham Mail.

"He won’t be available for Saturday.

"He’ll have another test tomorrow and hopefully he’ll be available for the Christmas period."

Grealish has played in every one of Villa's games so far this season, scoring twice and assisting four more, including a goal and an assist against Birmingham City.

Albert Adomah, Neil Taylor, Henri Lansbury, Mile Jedinak and James Bree are all also set to miss the clash with injuries as well. 

The club have been in brilliant form since the arrival of Smith in October, winning four of their last six matches, drawing two and losing none, scoring 19 goals along the way.

A win against Gary Rowett's side this weekend could see them move to within a point of the top-six as they look to turn their season into a success.

The Verdict 

This is as big a blow as Villa could have received, but I have faith in Smith to make the most of it.

Villa have an array of exciting attacking talent, and whilst Grealish is probably the most technically proficient of the lot, there is more than enough in store for them to still put on a strong showing.

With the momentum the club currently have, you would fancy them to win even with seven first-team names missing.

Thoughts? Let us know!