Aston Villa are set to run the rule over Ross McCormack’s fitness, with the striker heading back to England to see a specialist after injuring his knee whilst out on loan with Central Cost Mariners.

McCormack picked up a knee injury in training, which has forced him to sit out Mariners’ last two A-League fixtures.

Now, the 32-year-old has returned to Aston Villa to see a specialist about the injury.

The on loan striker’s current boss Mike Mulvey explained to www.a-league.com: “We’ve decided to send Ross back to Aston Villa to check in with a specialist. 

“We expect him back just before Christmas and the best situation we can see at this stage would be having Ross eligible for selection for our New Year’s Eve game against Perth Glory.”

Since his loan move back to Australia, McCormack has managed five appearances for the 10^th-placed Mariners, which have brought just one goal.

Whilst the Scot has been in search of regular football in the A-League, his parent-club are looking to work their way back into promotion contention in the Sky Bet Championship.

Villa, now under the rule of Dean Smith, are back in the race for the play-offs after an impressive run of form.

Smith’s side are unbeaten in their last six, having won four and drawn two during a difficult run of fixtures.

The Verdict  

The fact that McCormack is having to return to England to see a specialist is a big worry for Villa.

McCormack’s injury doesn’t sound serious, but there seems to be enough there for his loan club to be concerned.

Whilst it’s a worry for the two clubs involved, it’s a disappointment for McCormack, who is trying to put his career back on track after a difficult spell.

Thoughts? Let us know!