Grealish set to return to Villa's bench against Everton, says Smith
Jack Grealish will return to Aston Villa’s bench against Everton for first time since February if he remains ‘pain free’, reveals Dean Smith… as England boss Gareth Southgate awaits a boost ahead of Euro 2020
- Jack Grealish is closing in on a return to Aston Villa’s squad, says Dean Smith
- Villa’s league form has taken a dive since their talisman found himself sidelined
- Smith is hopeful Grealish is ‘pain free’ to be on the bench against Everton next
Jack Grealish will be on the bench for Aston Villa against Everton on Thursday as long as he convinces boss Dean Smith he is fit to play.
The Villa captain has missed his club’s last 12 matches due to a shin problem but would give a huge boost to England boss Gareth Southgate if he appeared against Everton.
Grealish, 25, is virtually certain to be in England’s 26-man squad for Euro 2020 provided he can prove his fitness, after producing outstanding displays in his first senior appearances last autumn.
Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish is closing in on a return to the first team matchday squad
Dean Smith revealed Grealish will be on the bench against Everton if he remains ‘pain free’
‘Jack trained on Saturday and Tuesday and he trained very well,’ said Smith.
‘I’ll have a chat with him and see he’s got no ill effects.
‘We’ll sit down with the doctor as well and take it from there.
‘Is he ready to start games? No, but if he feels pain-free then he’s ready to be a part of the squad.’
Grealish (right) has been sidelined with a shin injury since February but a return against Everton would represent a major boost for England manager Gareth Southgate (left)
Without the playmaker, Smith’s men have taken only 12 points from 12 matches, winning just three of those games.
Grealish had been one of the best players in the Premier League before his injury, scoring six goals and registering 10 assists.
One of those victories came at Everton on May 1, with Thursday’s fixture at Villa Park between the same sides rearranged due to Covid-19 postponements earlier in the campaign.
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