Aston Villa given major fitness boost | OneFootball

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has announced that Jack Grealish will return to light training next week.

Grealish has been out of action with a shin injury since early December but while the 23-year-old’s return is still a way off, there is now a chance he could be back in action by early February.

“Jack is due to go out and run next week. That’s a big positive for him and us,” Villa boss Smith told the club’s official website.

“When he gleefully told me today he was due to run outside next week, he said ‘you can arrange a game for me as well’.

“He’s very keen to get out on the pitch. He has an enthusiasm for playing and wanting to play so we will certainly have to have the reins on him. But I will want him back as soon as we can as well.”

Glenn Whelan is also back in full training after overcoming a shoulder issue, while there is also good news for Mile Jedinak and Axel Tuanzebe.

“Glenn had a shoulder problem. He trained non-contact on Monday and a full session today so he’s back to full fitness,” added Smith.

“Mile got 60 minutes today in the match and looked good. He’s trained a full week with us. He’s been out for quite a while.

“It’s took him a while to get to this period. It would be good to have that experience and quality available.

“Axel is still up at Man Utd. He’s had the boot removed now. He will start some light work in his rehabilitation before he comes back down to Aston Villa.

“We’ll be guided by Man Utd in his rehabilitation. The doctor is keeping in touch with them quite regularly.

“We look forward to him being back because he was a big player for us during that really good run.”

But Henri Lansbury, who is suffering with a hamstring injury, is still expected to be out for another month.

“Henri is still not training with us. He’s in the medical room at the moment,” said Smith.

“From the scan it looks like it’s the same injury he picked up against Birmingham City. So it will probably take four or five weeks like the first one.”