As you’ll recall from the Blues derby at St Andrews, Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia limped off with an ankle problem. There was concern especially because it was the same ankle that had kept him out earlier in the year.
While the club haven’t gone into too much detail about the injury at this point, they issued a short statement (below), claiming the situation to be ‘encouraging’.
Kodjia Statement
Jonathan Kodjia continues to be assessed by the club’s medical department following his ankle injury at the weekend.
The striker limped off in the Second City derby draw at Birmingham City.
The club are in close communication with the consultant and will review accordingly.
However, the early prognosis is encouraging.
It was always a long shot whether Kodjia would be fit for the trip to Preston, but it looks like he’ll be back sooner rather than later.
At the moment, MOMS is more than happy to see Keinan Davis return to being the sole striker up front, as he brings Villa’s midfielders into play in an effective fashion.
Also, if Kodjia’s absence is beyond a week or two, it may be a chance for Bruce to see if a Davis and Hogan partnership can actually work.
It’s Jedinak Jetlag Time
Mile Jedinak has been just limited to 75 minutes for club and country, but the Socceroos have called up their captain for their 25-man squad for the World Cup play-off double header with Honduras in November.
Playing 30 minutes at St Andrew’s was seen as proof by Australian coach Ange Postecoglou, that Jedinak will be fit enough to handle the fiery atmosphere of the away leg in Honduras, plus the temperature and humidity.
It is the first time the veteran midfield has been part of the Australia set-up since June.
He’ll have the games against Sheffield Wednesday and Preston to further improve his fitness, but the issue for Villa comes with his return.
On Friday 10th November, Australia play in Honduras, followed by the second-leg in Australia on Wednesday November 15th (kick-off 9am UK time).
With Villa away at QPR the following Saturday November 18th, it’s unlikely after a 24 hr flight (approx), he’ll be ready for the squad travelling to Loftus Road.
The following Tuesday game against Sunderland is a more realistic target.
UTV
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