Aston Villa are expected to be back in the Premier League this weekend when they travel to Brentford on Sunday January 2nd.

Their previous match ended in a 3-1 loss to Chelsea on Boxing Day.

Villa saw a 1-0 lead slip away with goals from Jorginho (2) and Romelu Lukaku concluding three runs for Les Bleus and inflicting a third loss in Steven Gerrard’s short career so far as a B6 manager.

This was Villa’s first game after a 12-day absence due to coronavirus concerns, Burnley’s game scheduled for December 18 has been postponed meaning Gerrard’s men last played on the 14th December.

They had a few welcome days off after the Leeds United clash, scheduled for Tuesday, postponed due to Covid-19 issues alongside Marcelo Bielsa.

Villa was missing John McGinn and Ashley Young against Chelsea and assistant manager Gary McAllister, replacing isolator Gerrard, who tested positive for Covid-19, spoke of his compatriot after the game.

McAllister said McGinn “will be back on the grass on Friday”.

Meanwhile, Leon Bailey (thigh) and Marvelous Nakamba (knee) remain out, the latter having recently undergone surgery after injuring himself earlier this month.

But with Trezeguet and Bertrand Traoré back in the fold for the day, some injury concerns have subsided for Gerrard, although skipper Tyrone Mings is missing due to a suspension.

Tyrone ming

Reason for absence: Suspended.

Return date: Manchester United (away), FA Cup third round, Monday January 10.

What we know: Mings will miss Brentford’s game due to a one-game suspension, triggered after getting his fifth yellow card of the season against Chelsea.

Wonderful Nakamba

Injury: Knee.

Target return date: Between three and four months.

What we know: Nakamba has been in great shape since Gerrard’s arrival last month but was injured against Liverpool on December 11.

What Gerrard said: “He’s going to be missing for about 12 weeks if it’s a fantastic rehab or it could last up to 16 weeks.”

Leon Bailey

Injury: Thigh.

Target return date: Awaiting update.

What we know: Bailey was visibly upset when he was substituted from the Manchester City game in early December.

What Gerrard said: “Unfortunately he had a CT scan and it confirmed that there is a muscle injury, it’s going to be quite long so he’s going to miss several weeks, you won’t see him until Christmas.”

How should Villa line up against Brentford? Give your opinion in the comments section …

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