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Aston Villa manager Dean Smith’s worst fears have been confirmed after it was revealed via the club’s official website that key centre-back Tommy Elphick will be out for “four or five weeks” with a heel injury.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the Midlands outfit don’t have a plethora of centre-back options anyway, and it didn’t look good when the 31-year-old was substituted off during the second half of the 4-0 win against Derby County at Villa Park on Saturday.
Now the former Bournemouth man will definitely miss the second city derby against Birmingham City at St Andrew’s on Sunday after suffering a small tear, and may not be back in action until mid-April if the prognosis is correct.
The fact that the experienced defender has gone from being out in the cold and being sent out on loan to Hull City to becoming a key first-team player tells you all you need to know about Villa’s situation at the back.
Who could fill in?
With James Chester still recovering from a knee injury, Smith has some big decisions to make before the clash against the Blues this weekend.
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Tyrone Mings looks to be a guaranteed starter following some impressive displays in recent weeks, but he could be partnered by any of Kortney Hause, Mile Jedinak or even Neil Taylor, who should be back after illness.
Six points adrift of the play-offs and two behind Birmingham this is a crucial period for the Villans, but they will have to get through the majority of it without a leader in Elphick.
