Dean Smith provides update on prospects of injured Jack Grealish facing Leeds United after Leicester City defeat
ASTON Villa boss Dean Smith has provided an update on the prospects of injured star man Jack Grealish making Saturday's Premier League clash at Leeds United.
England international midfielder Grealish was forced to miss Sunday's 2-1 loss at home Leicester City amidst reports that the 25-year-old had suffered a setback in training, believed to be a shin injury.
Reports then suggested that Grealish was looking at around one month out but Smith said he could not provide a specific time frame and still held hopes that the midfielder could feature next weekend against Leeds at Elland Road.
"Jack had some discomfort on Friday afternoon so we pulled him out of training, assessed him and didn't think he was right for the game," said Smith at his post-match press conference, as quoted by Birmingham Live.
"It's not a re-occurrence of a longstanding injury or an old injury.
"It's not going to be a long-term injury but I'll be guided by the medical staff as to how long he'll be out and Jack himself.
"I can't tell you anymore than that really."
Asked if it was a case of taking it game by game, Smith said: "Pretty much, yeah. If I'm an optimist maybe he'll be back for Leeds or, if not, Sheffield United but I have to be guided by him and the medical staff and see how it is.
"I certainly don't put the loss today down to not having Jack Grealish in the team. Yes, Jack Grealish will enhance any team he's that good a player but we had a good team out there today to win the game but we didn't play well enough first half."
Smith is also without full back Matty Cash who is facing at least a few weeks out with a hamstring injury, joining Grealish, Wesley and Kortney Hause on the sidelines.
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Thank you Laura Collins