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James Chester adds further injury worry to Aston Villa ahead of Blues clash

James Chester has added another injury worry to Aston Villa ahead of the Second City derby after he was forced off during Wales' defeat to Denmark on Friday.

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Chester, who has forged a growing partnership with Axel Tuanzebe at centre-back since Dean Smith's appointment, limped off during the defeat to the Danes - casting doubt about his fitness ahead of the crunch clash with Blues a week on Sunday.

Villa already have question marks over Neil Taylor, who picked up an injury during Villa's 3-0 win over Derby, and John McGinn, who pulled out of Scotland's international squad earlier this week with a calf problem.

The seriousness of Chester's injury is yet to be determined, but if he is to miss the league clash with Garry Monk's side Smith will face serious issues regarding who he plays in central defence.

Mile Jedinak was utilised in defence by former boss Steve Bruce, whilst Alan Hutton was also shoehorned into the position following Bruce's exit.

Smith will be hopeful that all three players will be able to shake off their respective injuries to participate in the huge game.

A win would be Villa's third straight league victory and could lift them to within touching distance of the playoffs.