Jack Grealish is expected to be back in action for Aston Villa when they take on Sheffield United in February, according to The Mirror. 

Mirror Sport claim that he isn't ready to return anytime soon due to a shin injury picked up earlier in the season, but could be in line for a timely return against the Blades.

Villa's talisman is expected to miss their matches against Hull, Ipswich and Reading, where Dean Smith's side will certainly be expected to pick up three wins against sides below them in the table.

If Grealish returns to action against Chris Wilder's side as expected, then he will have missed ten games for Villa, which will be frustrating for both Grealish and everyone associated with the club.

The 23-year-old had shown promising signs of recapturing his best form in the early stages of Smith's reign, and the Villa boss will be hoping he can pick up where he left off.

There's no doubting that on his day, Grealish is one of the best creative midfielders in the Championship, and he'll be keen to return to the Premier League in the near future.

Aston Villa are currently sat 12th in the Championship table, but more importantly, are just six points adrift of the top six, with the play-offs a serious possibility this season.

The Verdict

This will be a huge boost for Aston Villa as they head into some crucial games.

If Villa are to have any chance of gaining promotion this season, they need to be beating the teams around them, and Sheffield United are certainly one of them.

Dean Smith will need his key players available for those types of games, and Grealish's return to action in February will come at the perfect time.

Thoughts? Let us know!