Aston Villa could be set for injury boost ahead of Sheffield United clash over skipper Jack Grealish

The England international has missed Villa's last two games with a shin injury, but boss Dean Smith says he may be fit to face United at Bramall Lane this week.

"He’s getting better," Smith said of his skipper.

"As I said last week, there’s been an awful lot of speculation where Jack is involved. People speculated how long he’s going to be out for – I’m not sure how they can do that when I don’t know, the doctor doesn’t know and Jack doesn’t know.

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"I was very vague last week because it’s a bit of a strange injury. Jack could be back to play against Sheffield United or Wolves [at the weekend]. We'll be led by Jack on that."

Grealish's absence wasn't too keenly felt by Villa over the weekend, as they beat Leeds United 1-0 at Elland Road. They are currently ninth in the Premier League, six points off the top four with two games in hand.

“It’s nice to win a game without Jack in the team because, as I said, there was a lot made out of us not winning a Premier League game without Jack,” Smith added.

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“It’s been an all-round team performance this season and we’ve probably talked about Jack less this season than we did last season.

“To still be talking about him shows the quality he’s got. We want him back as soon as possible."

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