Aston Villa handed Jonathan Kodjia injury boost
Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia is poised to make his long-awaited return from injury next week.
The 27-year-old, the club’s top scorer last season, is yet to feature so far during the current campaign after breaking his ankle during a 1-1 draw at Blackburn back in April.
But he is expected to play 45 minutes for Villa’s under-23s against Southampton on Monday night, with boss Steve Bruce revealing the Ivory Coast international could then make his Championship return against Middlesbrough on Tuesday.
“I am probably looking at him to play at least 45 minutes on Monday. If he comes through that he could be available to play some part on Tuesday,” said Bruce.
“He has trained all week. It is a big boost for us. We all know what he is capable of.”
In a further boost, Bruce revealed midfielder Mile Jedinak could return for Saturday’s home game against Brentford.
The 33-year-old is another player who has not featured to this point of the campaign, having undergone surgery on a long-standing groin injury during the summer.
Alan Hutton (ankle) and Chris Samba (knee) have also been passed fit for the visit of the Bees.
