Dean Smith gives latest Jack Grealish update as Aston Villa captain is ruled out of Newcastle clash
Jack Grealish is a ‘lot better’ but will not be fit enough to face Newcastle on Friday night, Aston Villa boss Dean Smith confirmed.
The Villa captain has missed his side’s last four Premier League matches with a leg issue.
He was forced to sit out defeats to Leicester City and Sheffield United, a win over Leeds and a draw against Midlands rivals Wolves and he will now have to skip a reunion with former manager Steve Bruce.
Smith is hopefully Grealish will be fit for next Sunday’s meeting with Tottenham Hotspur but admitted illness had played its part in keeping the England international out of this weekend’s action.
‘Jack Grealish is a lot better, but you won’t see him at Newcastle unfortunately,’ Smith said in his pre-match media conference.
‘It hasn’t helped that he’s been ill this week, which has kept him off for a couple of days.
‘But we’re hopeful for the Tottenham game now, that’s for sure.’
Despite being unable to be involved on the pitch, Grealish has been heavily involved behind the scenes.
‘Yeah he’s still in and around the training ground,’ Smith added. ‘He takes part in the meetings.
‘He’s got a voice, an opinion, which is always good. He’s one of the ones who when we’ve done our debrief after the Sheffield United game – having watched the game – was telling the players how well he thought we’d played.
‘And we deserved more out of the game. So he’s matured a lot and has taken on a lot more responsibility now, that’s for sure.’
There’s better news for other absentees from their 0-0 draw with Wolves, with Matty Cash and Anwar El Ghazi set to return.
‘Matt Cash is back to full training,’ Smith added. ‘He’s travelling with us to Newcastle. He’s available for selection.
‘Anwar El Ghazi is back from an infected toe as well.’
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