Dean Smith spoke to the media on Friday morning ahead of Aston Villa’s Premier League game against Wolves.
Via virtual press conference, the head coach had plenty to discuss as he prepares to take on their Midlands rivals on Saturday evening.
Here’s what he had to say…
On team news…
“Jack Grealish is doing better. He’s unlikely to play. I’ve not sat down with the medical staff yet, but he was on the AlterG running yesterday.
“He looks pain-free now, so once I sit down with the medical staff we’ll decide what he’s doing today.
“Matty Cash is still recovering. He’s in rehabilitation now and it shouldn’t be too long before he’s back training with us, so that’s good news.
“Welsey’s in full contact training with us now. The problem is arranging some games for Wesley to play. He’ll probably get involved in some Under-23 games, but that’s really good news because he’s been out for 14, 15 months now.
“Kortney Hause should join in training with us next week, as well. That’s really good news.”
On the upcoming international break…
Smith was asked if the club would allow players to go away with their countries if they were required to undertake a period of isolation upon their return.
“No we won’t, and we’re not required to have to do that. It’s a UEFA or FIFA ruling now that if players are going to red-list countries, we don’t have to allow them to go.
“I’ve spoken to all the players that it applies to at the football club. Although they want to go and represent their countries, they fully understand.
"Any player [that would be] travelling to a red-list country (Emi Martínez, Douglas Luiz, Marvelous Nakamba) will not be allowed to go.
“I’ve sat down with the players and explained the rationale behind that.”
On reaction to Sheffield United loss…
“It was a disappointing result – not so much the performance. We’d just been to Leeds and nullified a very good Leeds team, restricted them to a few chances.
“We restricted Sheffield United to even fewer chances. Unfortunately, we didn’t take our big chances on the night. In some ways we played better against Sheffield United than we did against Leeds, but we didn’t get the result.
“Everybody table watches a bit and with Sheffield United at the bottom of the league you feel it’s one you should go and win.
“The lads are in a good place because they know they played well against Leeds and Sheffield United.”
On Wolves…
“Wolves have been an improving team since they first lost Raul Jimenez. They’ve become more consistent and found a different way of playing without him.
“It will be a tough game. They got it back to 1-1 against Manchester City before Manchester City ran away with it in the last ten minutes.
“They’ve got very good players and I’ve got a lot of respect for the work they’ve done at Wolverhampton Wanderers.”
