OPINION
The international break is always a nervy time for clubs when their stars head away to serve their countries – and it seems as though Aston Villa’s fears might have come true.
The last thing Dean Smith needed was to see his side depleted during the two week gap as the Villans look to get their promotion hopes back on track, and if there was one area of his squad he could not afford any sort of absences in it would be the centre back role.
Just Villa’s luck that James Chester – one of the few options that Smith does have to call upon – appears to have picked up a blow which leaves him doubtful for their return to league action.
The Wales international limped off in his country’s clash against Denmark in midweek but the silence surrounding his status has been deafening, with no clear answer to whether it was a serious blow or something relatively minor.
Wales boss Ryan Giggs, as quoted by the Birmingham Mail, had stated that Wales “had a couple of injuries” and that he did not think any of them would be fit for Tuesday’s clash against Albania, further clarifying “If they are injured they won’t be travelling.”
Well, with Tuesday coming around, the Welsh officially revealed their side on Twitter and unfortunately for the Villans there is no sign of their man – leaving his status up in the air while at the same time further deepening their fears over his fitness.
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The Starting XI has been confirmed for this evening's match against Albania. #ALBWAL pic.twitter.com/y4JTKaGHF7
— Wales ??????? (@Cymru) November 20, 2018
It is now evident that it was not a minor problem setting him back and with a Birmingham derby coming up, they really could not have afforded an injury blow like this.
Whether he plays or not remains to be seen, but all the signs are pointing in the wrong direction for Smith.