With Axel Tuanzebe back, the Villans have six loanees but only five allowed in a Championship matchday squad.
Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has spoken out about the return to fitness of Axel Tuanzebe and how it will give him a headache on two fronts.
The 21-year-old, on loan from Manchester United, is in contention to feature in the Championship meeting with Blackburn Rovers next week along with Henri Lansbury.
Tuanzebe has not featured since mid-December due to a foot injury but looks to be returning just at the right time, with the final straight of the Championship race and with the team on form.
Villa have had an up-and-down season but with four wins from their last four league games, they have crept into the playoffs with just eight games left, so having high-calibre players coming back will be crucial.
However, Smith pointed out that, on one front, it will force him to have to make some tough decisions in the coming weeks – he has six loanees at his disposal, but EFL rules stipulate only five can be named in any given matchday squad.
“Axel gives me not only a selection headache, but a loan headache. You’re only allowed five in the matchday 18,” the Villa boss told the official club website. “One will have to miss out – I have Axel, Carroll, Hause, Mings, Tammy Abraham and Anwar El Ghazi. That’s a decision I’ve got to make.”
Tuanzebe has made 21 appearances for the West Midlanders this season, of which 19 came in the Championship, according to Transfermarkt.
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