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The medical room that had mostly empty — now has welcomed two key members of the starting lineup — Albert Adomah and Jack Grealish. And no one is happy about it.
Injury news: Albert Adomah and Jack Grealish are both doubts for this weekend's #FULAVL clash…
— Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) February 16, 2018
Both will be assessed later today.#PartOfThePride #AVFC pic.twitter.com/GB33A6HSru
Sad.
The news about Adomah was not a surprise because the winger looked like he was not going to be able to finish the first half in the Blues match — but fought through it to a very impressive performance. Jack was subbed off late in the second half to a huge ovation. Apparently that may not have been the sole point though.
As we wait for a medical update — which the blog will post as soon as we get it — try not to let your mind wonder to the worst theories. Think positive thoughts — like the fact that no amputation is likely. See! Don’t you feel better? (no, not really)
On-loan youngster Josh Onomah would likely be the replacement for Jack. Somewhere in Birmingham James Rushton is shouting Callum O’Hare’s name — but based on Bruce’s previous moves the Spurs player will get the call.
The left wing position has more options. It could give Bruce an answer to the debate of who to start between Mile Jedinak vs Birkir Bjarnason — BOTH! Bjarnason has at times played on the left side (along with most of the positions in the midfield). It certainly would not be a like-for-like switch but would give Bruce the opportunity to put both the players on the pitch — who have played well enough to be in the starting lineup. It would be a risky decision though — forcing the Icelandic man to once again change positions when he has settled into the holding/defense role so well.
Personally — I’d like to see André Green get the call. The young winger has missed most of the season with injury issues having not played in a first team match since September. He may not be healthy again though. He bagged two goals in a reserve match in January — but has not appeared in any matches since (at least to the best as I can tell because the coverage of U23 is not extensive). Green could slot right in and Villa could keep similar shape that has been so successful of late.
3-0 win vs west brown tonight Another 90 mins and 2 more goals Feeling good #AVFC pic.twitter.com/gNMzATSDMd
— André Green (@AndreGreen_) January 22, 2018
Other options include: Neil Taylor pushing up, Henri Lansbury playing wide, or throwing a striker out to the wing and hoping for the best (please not Gabby). Bruce could also decide — especially if both Jack and Albert miss out — to totally change the formation/tactics and try to catch Fulham off guard — one such example would be Onomah out left and two up top.
But for now — we wait and standby for hard news.