The big Brazilian hitman was a notable absentee for Aston Villa.
Dean Smith has told Aston Villa’s official website that a ‘small knock’ is the reason why Wesley did not feature in this afternoon’s win at Charlton Athletic.
The Villans continued their pre-season preparations with a convincing 4-1 win at the Valley.
But Wesley, Aston Villa’s £22 million signing from Club Brugge, was conspicuous by his absence as Smith failed to name him in the matchday squad.
This prompted confusion – and some concern – among Villa fans, but Smith has clarified that the big striker suffered a minor injury in a midweek defeat by Kuwait at Bodymoor Heath.
He said: “Wesley played well on Wednesday and scored two goals. “He also played 20 minutes against Kuwait in the week but suffered a small knock. It wasn’t worth the risk bringing him down today. He’s fine, though. He should be back training on Tuesday or Wednesday.”
Villa kick off their Premier League campaign in two weeks with a tricky trip to Tottenham and Smith will be desperate to have his big-money striker available.
As things stand, there is quite a bit of pressure on the former Brugge marksman to score goals, being the only centre-forward to arrive in the West Midlands this summer.
But he has already demonstrated what he might bring to the table with some Christian Benteke-like displays.
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