Jack is back: Aston Villa handed crucial injury update ahead of Derby County clash

Aston Villa have made no secret of Jack Grealish’s impending return to action - with the club going ahead with an announcement that the young star will be in line to face Derby County on the weekend.

Villa’s playmaker had fallen victim to a cruel ‘bone stress’ injury that could have led to a severe fracture - while the exact details have been left out by the club, Head Coach Dean Smith has revealed on a number of occasions that it has been the independent opinions of doctors that have kept Grealish out of action, with some good news finally arriving this week that Jack is once more ready for first-team football.

Grealish has missed the past 14 matches for Aston Villa, and the squad have been a sorry sight without him. Lacking Grealish, Villa have lacked a deft touch in the final-third and there has been almost zero build-up to any of their past (few) goals. It’s safe to say that with their number 10, Dean Smith’s side are a lot better.

There has also been good news regarding both Alan Hutton and Tom Carroll. Hutton’s knee injury is only a minor, rather than major, injury to his knee - with it being an overextension rather than a muscle tear. Hutton will miss the next few games, but should be able to make his curtain-call for the club towards the end of the season. Carroll, the loanee, will be able to multiple his 16 minutes of game time after returning to first-team training this week.

All-in-all, it’s very good news for Aston Villa - who might want to wrap Jack Grealish in cotton wool until Saturday.