After offering up positive news earlier in the week on the injury situations of both Tyrone Mings and Matt Targett, Aston Villa Head Coach, Dean Smith, confirmed in his pre-Norwich City press conference yesterday that the defensive duo had both trained this week.
“Tyrone Mings (calf) is fine. He’s trained all week,” said Smith. “And Matt Targett (hamstring) has trained for the last couple of days so he’s available, too.”
It’s good news, considering the fact that Targett has finally managed to break into the Villa first team and could do with playing against Norwich City, before the international break to increasingly gain familiarity with what could be a key role for Villa.
Villa have been crying out for increased dynamism going forward from the full-back department.
Frédéric Guilbert has shown promise on the right-hand side, yet isn’t the finished article yet. Meanwhile, while Neil Taylor has been steady from a defensive point of view on the left, Targett’s performance in the cup against Brighton and then in the first-half against Burnley, provided a glimpse of what could be.
Possessing a decent delivery and an inclination to be positive around and attack the opposition penalty box, if Targett progresses, it will certainly help with service to Wesley, as well as create options for the Villa midfield too to help them dominate the game.
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“At the weekend, especially in the first half, we pinned them in and put them under loads of pressure,” observed Targett, of the Burnley game, in an in-house club interview.
“They didn’t have much chance in that first half,” added the Villa left-back.
“In that sense, we dominated the game and looked a threat going forward. On the other hand, when we’re that dominant we need to make it 2-0, 3-0 going in at half-time.”
More on what Matt Targett could offer Villa
Other Injury News
In other injury news, Jonathan Kodjia and his Phantom of the Opera mask will have to wait until after the international break to be match ready.
Henri Lansbury though has overcome his ankle injury and has trained this week, so will be available for the Canaries game.
James Chester, while back in training, needs “more game-time into him”, according to Smith. No doubt he’ll feature in either an upcoming U-23 game or behind closed doors friendly during the international break.
UTV
Or Konsa in at Center Half and put Mings on the left. The article above states:” While Neil Taylor has been steady from a defensive point of view”… WTF! He was at fault for both goals v Burnley…..
IMO Hause should be given a run at left back UTV