Matty Cash missed Aston Villa’s 2-1 defeat to Leicester last weekend due to a hamstring injury, but Dean Smith has given a positive update on his recovery ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Leeds.
The 23-year-old is expected to miss the trip to Elland Road, meaning Ahmed Elmohamady should keep his place at right-back, but Cash is back running on grass and will soon be able to join first team training.
Smith said in Friday’s pre-match press conference: “Matty Cash is back on the training pitches running. We’ll be guided by the medical department on when he joins in with us.”
Cash is a loss for Villa. Smith recently described him as an “infectious” player in the dressing room due to his enthusiasm on the training ground, but he’ll be missed the most on the pitch.
The 23-year-old has made 21 Premier League appearances this season, supplied two assists, created 17 chances, whipped in 64 crosses, won 54 tackles and aerial duels, blocked 41 shots/passes/crosses, completed seven successful dribbles, won 16 free kicks and made 49 interceptions (WhoScored).
At least Elmohamady is an able deputy for Cash. He didn’t have the best game against Leicester but should improve after shaking off any rust against the Foxes.
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Villa have won only one of their last four games ahead of their meeting with Leeds, so they could do with getting a result.
In Cash’s absence, Elmohamady will go up against the impressive Jack Harrison, who has scored three goals in his last seven games, so he needs to be at his best to thwart the Leeds winger.
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