Aston Villa will be missing this key player for Newcastle United clash

Jack Grealish of Aston Villa looks on during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa at American Express Community Stadium on February 13, 2021 in Brighton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors.

Villa boss Dean Smith today confirmed the 25-year-old England international will sit out the St James’ Park visit, having been missing since February 13 with a shin injury.

“Jack Grealish is a lot better, but you won’t see him at Newcastle unfortunately,” said Smith.

"It hasn’t helped that he’s been ill this week, which has kept him off for a couple of days.”

Villa will however welcome back defender Matt Cash as well as attacker Anwar El Ghazi.

The news of the Villa blow comes on the back of some positive injury updates given by United boss Steve Bruce.

While the Magpies will be without key frontline trio Callum Wilson, Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin for tomorrow night’s encounter, Bruce says he is hoping Tottenham Hotspur (H) on April 3 could see them return.

Javier Manquillo and Federico Fernandez have been declared fully fit for tomorrow evening.