Grealish facing race to be fit for England's World Cup qualifiers

Jack Grealish in a race against time to be fit for England’s World Cup qualifiers this month as Dean Smith confirms the Aston Villa captain will miss Friday’s clash with Newcastle

  • Jack Grealish is facing a race to be fit for England’s World Cup qualifiers 
  • The Aston Villa captain will miss Friday’s clash with Newcastle through injury  
  • He could return on March 21 but Gareth Southgate names his squad on March 17
  • The Three Lions face San Marino, Albania and Poland at the end of this month 

Jack Grealish faces a race against time to prove his fitness for England’s World Cup qualifiers this month after he was ruled out of Aston Villa’s clash with Newcastle on Friday.

Villa boss Dean Smith confirmed Grealish, who has missed the last four games with shin trouble, had not recovered in time for the trip to St James’ Park – and Gareth  Southgate names his squad on March 17. 

Villa have only one Premier League fixture, against Tottenham on March 21, before England’s World Cup qualifier against San Marino on March 25. They then travel Albania on March 28 before facing Poland at home on March 31.

Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish is facing a race to be fit for England’s World Cup qualifiers

The midfielder could return on March 21 but Gareth Southgate will name his squad on March 17

Smith said: ‘Jack’s been making really good progress but unfortunately he won’t make Newcastle because he has been ill this week and been off for a couple of days. But we are hopeful for the Tottenham game for sure.’

Grealish has shone for England since making his senior debut in the 0-0 draw in Denmark last September, and Southgate would be expected to hold talks with Smith before deciding whether to pick the 25-year-old.

If the Villa skipper is on track to play against Spurs, there is every chance he would be named by Southgate.

Grealish has shone for England since making his senior debut against Denmark last year

Without Grealish, Villa have taken four points from those four matches, scoring only twice. 

Grealish has six goals and 10 assists in the Premier League this term and has been one of the outstanding players of the season.

Smith added: ‘Our results have been indifferent with Jack in the team as well as out of the team over the last eight or nine games. Jack being out has been an opportunity for others.’




Share this article

Source: Read Full Article