Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has revealed that talismanic enforcer John Terry will miss their Championship clash with Leeds United on Friday evening.
The 37-year-old missed out on their 1-0 win over Cardiff on Tuesday with an ankle complaint, and that injury is set to keep him out of their next match in a big blow for the Villans.
Speaking to the press ahead of Friday’s match, Bruce confirmed that Leeds would come too soon for Terry, who has missed a large chunk of the season with a broken foot.
He was quoted by the club’s official Twitter account on Thursday afternoon:
? Injury update: John Terry looks set to miss #AVLLEE with an ankle problem.
Steve Bruce: "I don't think John will make it. It's still a bit too early for him".#PartOfThePride #AVFC pic.twitter.com/oQlv3r6u6P
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 12, 2018
Villa head into the clash on the back of that win over high-flyers Cardiff, with local star Jack Grealish securing the big win with a stunning volley from 25 yards.
OPINION
Terry’s loss is a big one for Villa, but they just about managed without him against Cardiff. There were a few dodgy moments for James Chester and Mile Jedinak, but they secured a clean sheet in the end. Leeds’ attack is far less potent than Cardiff’s, and the Whites are coming in off the back of a poor run of form under new boss Paul Heckingbottom that has seen their slim play-off hopes disappear completely. You would think that Villa will have too much for Leeds, and will continue their march towards the play-offs in the process.