McCormack should be back in the Villa squad for Saturday’s clash with Wigan Athletic, but Baker and backup goalkeeper Mark Bunn are expected to miss out.
Ross McCormack is expected to be available for Aston Villa’s home game against Wigan Athletic on Saturday afternoon, manager Steve Bruce has revealed at his pre-match press conference.
The Scottish forward was forced to sit out last weekend’s 2-0 defeat at Leeds United due to an ankle problem but is now back in full training and should be in the squad for the match at Villa Park.
Fellow front man Gabby Agbonlahor has also been dealing with an ankle injury this week but remains in contention to feature against the Latics after resuming training on Friday morning.
“I think Ross is going to be fine,” Bruce told reporters at his press conference. “Gabby turned his ankle earlier this week. He will train today. We will see how that is. We don’t think it’s too serious.”
Villa will be without Nathan Baker for the second straight game, however, as the homegrown centre-back remains sidelined with the groin injury that forced him off at half-time of last month’s 3-1 home victory over Cardiff City.
His absence means Tommy Elphick should continue partnering James Chester in the heart of the defence after returning to the starting XI against Leeds, while there will once again be a spot among the substitutes for 19-year-old goalkeeper Matija Sakric.
The Montenegro youth international appeared on the senior bench for the first time last weekend with Mark Bunn out with a knee issue and third-choice stopper Jed Steer lost to a season-ending Achilles injury, and while Bruce admits he would prefer a more experienced head backing up Pierluigi Gollini, he is confident that his Under-23 starter could handle the step up in the event of an emergency.
“It’s going to be too soon for Nathan and for Mark too,” Bruce added at his press conference. “Mark’s injury hasn’t responded to treatment, which is a concern because we’ve got the young kid on the bench.
“We had him there last week, which isn’t healthy. Thankfully, we believe he’s good enough. It’s a big baptism to be on the bench at that age, but somebody’s misfortune is his gain and I’m sure if called upon he’ll be fine.”
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