Aston Villa could have influential striker Jonathan Kodjia back a lot earlier than expected.
The Ivorian is currently playing for the Ivory Coast at this year’s African Cup of Nations, but the Elephants, who are defending champions, are not doing as well as everyone had expected.
Having drawn their opening two games against Togo and DR Congo, the Ivory Coast need to win their final game against Morocco, who currently sit second in the group, if they are to have any chance of going through to the knockout stages.
The Elephants got out of the group stage in 2015 with 2 draws and a win, so they cannot be discounted just yet, but if they fail to pick up all three points it will be an early flight home from the tournament.
A loss against Morocco, although it sounds harsh, would be great new for Villa fans as it would mean that the only true goalscorer Villa have at the moment will be returning to club action a lot earlier than expected.
Kodjia himself has had an indifferent tournament. He started in the opening 0-0 draw with Togo, and was subbed after 82 minutes. In the 2-2 draw against DR Congo, he was on the bench and never got any game time.
Villa fans will be hoping that he sits out the third and final group game as well so that he avoids any potential injury, Morocco go on to win, and Kodjia gets himself an early flight back to Birmingham.
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