Aston Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia was initially expected to be out for six months after he sustained a broken ankle towards the end of last season.
Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness has suggested that Steve Bruce’s men could receive a major boost ahead of the new season with the news that Jonathan Kodjia could be available for the campaign’s opener, the Express and Star reports, while Wyness also commented on what is now Kodjia’s former shirt number.
The 27-year-old enjoyed an excellent first year at Villa Park, finishing well clear at the top of the club’s scoring charts with 19 goals to his name in the second tier.
Aston Villa’s Jonathan Kodjia
However, the season ended on a sour note for the Ivory Coast international as he suffered a broken ankle during the final weeks of the campaign, with the Express and Star reporting that, at one point, he was expected to be sidelined for six months.
But Wyness now believes that Bruce may actually be able to select the former Bristol City man for the opening day clash with Hull.
“They think he’s going to be ready for the start of the season,” he said, as reported by the Express and Star.
“They are really pleased with the recovery. I’ve seen him doing martial arts and he’s looking really good.”
But while Kodjia may be around for the game against the Tigers, he will not be wearing the 26 shirt that he wore throughout his first campaign at the club, with new signing John Terry taking the shirt following his recent arrival.
However, Wyness suggested that the forward had no problem with Terry’s desire to wear the shirt number he became synonymous with while at Chelsea.
“I’m told there’s an internal discussion [about his new number] but he was happy to give up 26.” Wyness said.
“I think it’s already been resolved. Jonathan got No.26 because he was one of the last ones in.”
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