Jedinak and Whelan in line for Villa returns

Posted Friday, January 19, 2018 by PA

Aston Villa midfielders Mile Jedinak and Glenn Whelan could both feature in their home game against Barnsley.

Jedinak missed last week’s win at Nottingham Forest due to a thigh injury and Whelan was forced out of that match with a knee problem, but both players have trained and will be assessed.

Chris Samba (hamstring) and Gabby Agbonlahor (ankle) are likely to miss out again and goalkeeper Jed Steer may need an operation on his damaged shoulder.

Striker Jonathan Kodjia is continuing his recovery following ankle surgery, but Ahmed Elmohamady is expected to recover a knock sustained at Forest.

Barnsley midfielder Lloyd Isgrove will return to contention after missing last week’s goalless home draw against Wolves due to a dead leg.

Isgrove’s return is timely as on-loan Gary Gardner is ineligible to play against his parent club and fellow midfielder Joe Williams serves the second game of his three-match ban.

Striker Kieffer Moore is hoping to make his first start after stepping off the bench last week and defender Matty Pearson is pushing for a recall having recovered from a recent groin injury.

Defender Angus MacDonald (illness) requires further tests and winger Ryan Hedges (thigh), full-back Andy Yiadom (ankle) and centre-half Adam Jackson (knee) are still out.