The Aston Villa defender could return from the cold and use that to his long-term advantage.
John Terry’s injury came at the worst time for Aston Villa, with Steve Bruce’s side in resurgent form and reigniting their promotion push ahead of the hectic festive period, but it could give a forgotten man the chance to prove his worth.
Tommy Elphick has not been included in a single match day squad in the league this season, with Villa opting for John Terry and James Chester at the heart of their defence and Chris Samba as back-up on the bench.
As a result, Elphick has had to make do with two EFL Cup appearances, captaining the side against Wigan Athletic and Middlesbrough before his red card in the latter clash ended even that brief resurgence.
But following the news that Terry has broken a metatarsal in his right foot, Elphick could suddenly get the chance to solve Villa’s short-term problem while deciding his own long-future in the process.
After all, it is far easier to impress suitors when you are playing regular football and, while Elphick will know he has no real future at Villa once Terry returns, he could attract a stronger calibre of club by proving his worth in the weeks ahead.
The Villa skipper is expected to be out for up to 12 weeks, and if he returns slightly sooner, it could allow Elphick to move late in the January transfer window, once his rescue mission has been completed.
While the former Bournemouth player has been left out in the cold under Bruce, many Villa fans feel he is the smarter option than an ageing and slow Samba. But it is up the boss how he approaches the latest problem, and Elphick will no doubt be waiting with baited breath.
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