Trezeguet has finally recovered from his serious head injury, Covid and a hamstring problem, but he was absent from Aston Villa’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday evening due to a lack of match fitness.
The 26-year-old was in line to make his first appearance for nearly two months, but Dean Smith instead named Jack Grealish and Bertrand Traore on the flanks and had Anwar El Ghazi on the bench.
Smith told Birmingham Live why Trezeguet was left out, explaining that “Trezeguet’s only trained one day so far since his hamstring [injury]”.
The Egyptian international has made 10 appearances in all competitions this season, but he hasn’t featured since November’s 2-1 defeat to West Ham. Trezeguet has now missed Villa’s last eight games across the board and may have to be patient for opportunities as he is without a goal in the Premier League this season and only managed one assist before his injury. [Transfermarkt]
In his absence, El Ghazi has scored five goals while Traore boasts three goals and one assist, so Smith will likely wish to preserve with that duo even with Trezeguet back in contention.
READ ASTON VILLA VERDICT
Back in November, the Villa manager called Trezeguet “incredible” on account of his work rate, but it’s hard to see him starting the Egyptian international soon as things stand.
The 26-year-old will no doubt hope to at least make the bench against Newcastle United on Saturday as he sets about trying to forge his way back into Smith’s plans.
