Aston Villa have been dealt a huge injury blow after it was confirmed that Jack Grealish will miss the game against Stoke.
StokeonTrentLive reports that a shin injury will rule the playmaker out of the game after he was forced off against West Brom.
After not being able to finish the game against the Baggies, Grealish had been considered a doubt heading into Saturday’s meeting.
Even when Grealish had been mentioned as a doubt, there was still some confusion surrounding the injury, but Dean Smith is confident that it is not too serious.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Smith blasted tough treatment that Grealish receives from opposition teams.
It doesn’t help being the most fouled player in this league, being kicked from pillar to post. He’ll have another test tomorrow and hopefully he’ll be available for the Christmas period.
Villa could open up a five-point gap between themselves and Stoke with a victory over the weekend.
While Stoke themselves could leapfrog Villa if Gary Rowett’s men are successful.
