Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has confirmed he could welcome back James Bree and Neil Taylor, for Monday’s trip to Newcastle United, reports the club’s official website.

Both full-backs were missing through injury as Villa suffered their fourth consecutive defeat on Tuesday evening, losing 3-1 to Barnsley at Villa Park.

Bruce told avfc.co.uk: “We are hoping both will be better by the end of the week.

“James unfortunately has an infected knee and Neil has a cut ankle – a nasty one.

“We will see how they are by the end of the week.”

Villa travel to Newcastle on Monday evening, with the thankless task of trying to stop Rafa Benitez’s side, who have picked up eight points from their last four games and sit top of the Sky Bet Championship table.

Bruce’s side are in poor form, and are without a win since the Boxing Day victory over Burton Albion.

Tom Bradshaw’s brace for Barnsley, on top of an Adam Armstrong penalty, was enough to see off Villa last night, who only had a Jonathan Kodjia strike to celebrate.

The defeat leaves Bruce’s side 16^th in the Championship table, just seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Villa fans… Are you beginning to worry about your side slipping into a relegation battle? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!