Aston Villa play Midland rivals Birmingham City for the first time in this Championship season on Sunday – but will centre-back James Chester feature?
There would have been a sharp intake of breath throughout the Midlands as James Chester limped out of Wales’ UEFA Nations League clash defeat to Denmark last week.
In quotes reported by the Birmingham Mail, Wales manager Ryan Giggs admitted that the Aston Villa captain had left for international duty carrying a niggling knee injury, a problem that appeared to have been aggravated against The Danes.
As a result, Chester’s participation in the Midland derby against Birmingham City this weekend has been cast into doubt – potentially leaving Axel Tuanzebe as Villa’s only fit and senior centre-half.
Fortunately, however, the Express and Star has some very welcome news on Thursday morning.
It is understood that Chester has been monitored by Villa’s staff after returning to their Bodymoor Heath training ground. And there is optimism that the 29-year-old will be fit to feature against Garry Monk’s Blues on Sunday.
This is a huge boost to Dean Smith, who is taking charge of a Midlands derby for the first time as Aston Villa manager. Chester has looked back to his peak form in recent weeks with Villa keeping clean sheets in their last two games.
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