Aston Villa hoping Jack Grealish will be back at last for Derby clash

Star man Grealish is nearing the end of a long-term lay-off due to a bone stress injury and could feature on the bench against the Rams, providing the club’s medical staff give the green light for his return.

Midfielder Carroll, meanwhile, has seen just 16 minutes of action since joining in a deadline-day loan switch from Swansea.

The 26-year-old has been troubled by a hip injury but boss Dean Smith is optimistic he will be ready to return this weekend.

Smith is desperate for some positive news on the injury front after seeing a number of key players ruled out over the past three months.

There remains no precise timescale for the returns of Henri Lansbury (hamstring) or skipper James Chester (knee), though the latter is battling to be back in time for the season’s final run-in.

Villa’s home game with Blackburn on March 29 has been pencilled in as a possible return date for defender Axel Tuanzebe.

The Manchester United loanee has been out since mid-December after undergoing surgery on a foot injury and is expected back at Bodymoor Heath early next month, having so far undergone treatment at his parent club.

“I would expect him to be back with us the first week in March, he is with Manchester United at the moment and we are in constant contact,” said Smith.

“We are hoping he will be ready for just after the international break.”

Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland is out for the season with a ruptured Achilles.