Aston Villa host Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday evening, but Dean Smith revealed in Friday’s pre-match press conference that the Claret and Blues are still without Jack Grealish (leg), Matty Cash (hamstring), Wesley Moraes (fitness) and Kortney Hause (foot).

Grealish picked up a leg injury in February’s 0-0 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, missing Villa’s last three Premier League games (Transfermarkt). Smith says he’s making good progress, however, explaining: “Jack Grealish is doing better.

“He’s unlikely to play (against Wolves). I’ve not sat down with the medical staff yet, but he was on the AlterG running yesterday. He looks pain-free now, so once I sit down with the medical staff we’ll decide what he’s doing today.”

Cash injured his hamstring in the Brighton draw and hasn’t featured since either. Smith believes the 23-year-old’s return to training shouldn’t be too far away, adding: “Matty Cash is still recovering. He’s in rehabilitation now and it shouldn’t be too long before he’s back training with us, so that’s good news.”

Wesley has been on the recovery trail since January 2020 after rupturing his cruciate ligament in Villa’s 2-1 win over Burnley, but the 6ft 3 in striker could return later this month as he’s finally in full contract training. Smith revealed: “Welsey’s in full contact training with us now.

“The problem is arranging some games for Wesley to play. He’ll probably get involved in some Under-23 games, but that’s really good news because he’s been out for 14, 15 months now.”

And finally, Hause has been out since early January with a foot injury, last playing in Villa’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea. His return could coincide with Wesley’s, as Smith said: “Kortney Hause should join in training with us next week, as well. That’s really good news.”

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Villa have lost two of their last three games without Grealish and Cash, so it’s clear the pair have been missed. Wolves have only lost one of their last six league outings, so Saturday’s clash will be a difficult affair for the hosts.