Leeds United fans will be rubbing their hands with delight after Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard revealed that his side's fitness levels are 'not ideal' ahead of their match on Sunday.
Villa are missing numerous key players in their return from the international break including midfield summer signing Boubacar Kamara who will be out until after the World Cup with a knee ligament injury and centre-back Diego Carlos.
The Whites, who could see the return of star striker Rodrigo this weekend, will be looking to capitalise on a weakened Villa side for their third win of the season.
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Speaking at Friday's press conference, Gerrard said: “It’s not ideal, we’ve had better days on the injury front.
“Bouba [Boubacar Kamara] will be missing until after the World Cup unfortunately so that’s a huge blow, and obviously Diego Carlos, two of our signature signings if you like, who are going to be missing for a large part of the season.
“Lucas Digne is a unique situation, he has a heel problem and it’s one we’re going to have to monitor as we go along, so it’s very difficult to put a timescale on Lucas but he’ll certainly be missing in the coming weeks.
“We’re due to assess that situation again in just over two weeks to see whether his heel has healed enough for us to progress, but that’s quite a frustrating one again, another big player missing for us. But it obviously gives opportunities for other people to step forward and step up.
“On the Matty Cash front, it’s positive news, he should join the group on Monday back into full training, he did part of the session today for the first time. So we’ll welcome him back.
“Cameron Archer will come back in the squad as well, he’s had a bit of a niggle in his adductor but we’re on top of that for the time being. He’ll join the squad.
“So, mixed news at best, if you like.”
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