Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard has, on Friday, provided a fresh insight into the wellbeing of his squad.
The Claret and Blue are of course set to return to action this weekend.
After seeing a positive recent spell of form brought to an end at the hands of title-chasing Liverpool during the week, Villa will welcome Crystal Palace to the Midlands, eyeing a swift return to winning ways ahead of the season’s close in just over a week’s time.
Speaking to the media ahead of Sunday’s clash, the subject of fitness levels in his squad was therefore inevitably put to the aforementioned Steven Gerrard.
And the ensuing news, for the most part, proved of a positive nature from a Villans perspective.
This comes with the club’s boss having confirmed that he is hopeful of having all of Ollie Watkins, Jacob Ramsey and Emi Buendia available for selection, despite recent fitness issues:
“Ollie (Watkins) hasn’t trained yet since the (LFC) game, but he’s still got a chance to be involved. We’re hoping he’s going to take part in tomorrow’s session. He’s got a knock on his ankle. I don’t think it’s too serious. All being well, he’ll be available.”
“Jacob (Ramsey) is back in the group, he’s trained for the last couple of days and is looking good. So, that’s a big positive for us. Buendía left training yesterday but [worked] today.”
Both Leon Bailey and Kortney Hause, however, are set to miss out versus Palace.
Sunday: #AVLCRY. 👊
Steven Gerrard joined the media this afternoon to preview the visit of Crystal Palace. 🗣️
Updates to follow… pic.twitter.com/O7rXPSYeqo
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 13, 2022
Coutinho secured
News of Watkins and Ramsey’s likely availability this weekend of course rounds out what has proven a fine 24-hour spell for all associated with Aston Villa.
This comes after the Claret and Blue, on Thursday night, unveiled their first piece of transfer business ahead of the summer.
Owing to his positive impact since linking up with the club on loan during the January window, Philippe Coutinho’s move to Villa Park has been made permanent, after an agreement was struck between the club’s board and their counterparts at Spanish giants Barcelona, for a fee in the region of €20 million.
Aston Villa is delighted to announce the permanent signing of Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona for an undisclosed fee! 🙌
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 12, 2022
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