Aston Villa are sweating over the fitness of James Chester ahead of Sunday’s Second City derby clash against Birmingham, according to the Express & Star.
The newspaper claims that Chester, 29, is still being assessed after suffering a knee injury in Wales’ 2-1 defeat to Denmark on Friday night.
Chester has made 16 appearances in all competitions this season, missing just one Championship game as a result of a red card he picked up in the 3-3 draw with Preston.
OPINION
Dean Smith is going to have a major issue to deal with if Chester isn’t fit enough to play against Birmingham this weekend. Villa only have two natural centre-backs as it is in the ex-West Brom man and Axel Tuanzebe, so it looks as though Mile Jedinak could be called upon by Smith in his hour of need. Steve Bruce was widely criticised for his insistence on playing Jedinak in the centre of defence before he was sacked by the West Midlands club. Smith has opted for Chester and Tuanzebe as his central pairing, perhaps because they are the only options that make sense. Smith may have to resort to Bruce’s ways due to this setback but hopefully Chester can make some kind of miraculous recovery in time for the derby. Villa really need to beat Blues this weekend. Garry Monk’s side have played well this season while the Villains are underachieving. Three points against their bitter rivals will be absolutely massive.