Steven Gerrard can land his first boost as Aston Villa manager if club doctors do not detect any injury when they assess Marvelous Nakamba on his return from international duty.
According to Birmingham Live, the Villans’ medical department will put Nakamba through a fitness check once back from representing Zimbabwe.
The 27-year-old gave club chiefs an anxious wait after sitting out the Warriors’ World Cup qualifier with Ethiopia on Sunday.
Nakamba developed an injury in his groin over the weekend that kept the Aston Villa ace out of Zimbabwe’s draw. Leaving Norman Mapeza’s side winless and bottom of Group G.
The 23-cap midfielder had started each of Zimbabwe’s prior three qualifiers, but failed to avoid defeats in each. Losing twice to leaders Ghana and once to runners-up South Africa.
Nakamba has also started Aston Villa’s last two Premier League games, which proved to be Dean Smith’s last in charge. Replacing Douglas Luiz in the now-Norwich coach’s plans, with the Brazilian suffering with a thigh problem and may be unavailable for Gerrard’s debut.
Nakamba can offer Gerrard first injury boost as Aston Villa manager
So, Nakamba could hand Gerrard his first boost as Aston Villa manager if the Zimbabwe ace avoided an injury. Giving the former Rangers boss one less position of concern.
Gerrard lifts the curtain on his Villans career at home to Brighton on Saturday with the club two-points above the Premier League relegation zone in 16th after five-straight defeats.
Nakamba, who Smith signed from Club Brugge in 2019 for £11m, showed promise against West Ham at points. Nipping in to snatch possession, and lifting the crowd with his efforts.
The £32.5k-a-week enforcer’s ball-winning ability will be key for Gerrard if Luiz is still on the sidelines. With the new Aston Villa boss no doubt desperate to avoid starting with a loss.
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