Aston Villa could be set for a defensive boost with James Chester, Alan Hutton and Tommy Elphick expected to return from injury before the end of the season.

The three experienced defenders have missed Villa's superb recent run, which has seen Dean Smith's side win five consecutive games and move into the play-off places.

However, the boss confirmed to the club's media that he expects them to play a part in the run-in, which will give the team more depth at this crucial period.

Given Villa's fine form it's unlikely that Smith will play any of the returning players, with Kortney Hause and Tyrone Mings striking up a brilliant partnership at the heart of the defence.

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Therefore, club captain Chester and Elphick will have to be patient, whilst Alan Hutton will struggle to dislodge full-backs Ahmed Elmohamady and Neil Taylor who have coped well recently.

And, that was the thinking of the Villa supporters, who were pretty underwhelmed by the update...