Young striker Keinan Davis is set to start up front once again for Aston Villa as they travel to Elland Road to take on Leeds United.
Speaking to the press on Thursday ahead of the Championship clash, manager Steve Bruce revealed that Scott Hogan, 25, remains out of contention, leaving Davis as Villa’s only fit striker.
Villa are having a tough time with injuries at the moment, with John Terry, Andre Green, Jonathan Kodjia, Mile Jedinak and Hogan all ruled out.
This leaves 19-year-old Davis to lead the line on his own again as Villa face the Whites, with both teams in good form coming into the match.
Villa are currently sitting in fourth, having won nine out of their last 12 games, and Leeds are climbing once again after a disastrous run, currently occupying eighth after winning two of their last three.
BBC journalist Adam Pope confirmed the news on his Twitter page on Thursday:
TEAM NEWS: Villa also without striker Scott Hogan so Keinan Davis, 19, set to start again up front. #lufc
— Adam Pope (@apopey) November 30, 2017
OPINION
Davis has started Villa’s last five matches, and while he has not done too much wrong, is yet to score since the end of September. Bruce will be desperately hoping that his injured attacking options are not out for too long, as the burden of leading the line alone may end up hurting Davis. At the moment he is being ably assisted by Albert Adomah, who has scored five times in three games, but that form will not last forever and Villa need goals from another source. Bruce may have to look elsewhere in January for a cheap option to bring in and provide Davis with some much-needed support.