Aston Villa will continue to battle on without Jack Grealish this weekend when they travel to Lancashire to take on Wigan Athletic.
Dean Smith has been without the impressive playmaker since early Decemberâs draw with West Bromwich Albion, with that set to continue this weekend at the DW Stadium.
An injury update has come from Aston Villaâs official Twitter account, confirming that Grealish, along with Axel Tuanzebe and Orjan Nyland, will definitely miss out against the Latics.
In addition to that, Henri Lansbury is a major doubt with a hamstring problem, Smith has confirmed.
However, thereâs a chance that Kortney Hause could feature in claret and blue for the first time, with the defender available following his arrival from Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier in the week.
Hause provides cover at centre-back and full-back for Smith, bolstering a problem position for the Villans.
Villa enter this fixture on the back of a disappointing defeat, with Swansea City sending Smithâs men crashing out of the FA Cup at the third round stage.
Goals from Courtney Baker-Richardson, Nathan Dyer and Jay Fulton secured a 3-0 victory for the Swans at Villa Park, leaving Villa with full focus on the Championshipâs play-off race.
The Verdict
The obvious blow here is Grealish, with Villa really missing what the 23-year-old brings.
Smith doesnât have an alternative to him and whilst heâs still out, youâd imagine results will be up and down for the Villa.
In terms of other areas, supporters will hope to get a first glimpse of Hause, who could step into Tuanzebeâs role.
Thoughts? Let us know!