Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has confirmed that he’s hoping to name Jack Grealish on the bench when his side face Stoke City this weekend in the Sky Bet Championship.  

Grealish has been missing since early December with a shin injury, with his last appearance coming in the 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns.

Now, the 23-year-old is edging his way back into contention, with Grealish working on his fitness ahead of a potential return against Stoke this weekend at the bet365 Stadium.

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Smith issued an update to Villa’s official media on Grealish and his hopes for this weekend.

“I’m hoping Jack may be available for the bench at Stoke,” Smith revealed.

“He is working on his fitness side. He is in no pain. 

“I will be guided by the medical team.”

Grealish has featured on 21 occasions this season for Villa, scoring two goals and registering four assists.

In his absence, Villa’s form has dipped, with Smith’s side now facing an uphill battle to secure play-off football.

Since that draw with West Brom on December 7, Villa have won only two fixtures in the Championship, whilst they’ve also been sent crashing out of the FA Cup by Swansea City.

The Verdict  

This would be a major boost for Aston Villa at Stoke.

Things aren’t going well for Smith’s side right now and the mood at the club is on the turn.

Welcoming someone like Grealish back would give everyone a lift and help improve the situation on the field.

Thoughts? Let us know!