Aston Villa senior duo in race against time to be fit for Leeds fixture
By Amir Mir
Steve Bruce has confirmed that senior Aston Villa duo Nathan Baker and Ross McCormack are a in a race against time to be fit for the Leeds fixture at Elland Road on Saturday evening.
The Midlands side will be looking to maintain their seven match unbeaten run against Garry Monk’s side in what is expected to be a closely fought contest.
Centre-back Baker started Villa’s 3-1 win against Cardiff last Saturday, but was substituted at half-time and replaced by Tommy Elphick after picking up a knock.
Additionally, former Leeds striker McCormack has missed his side’s last two encounters through suspension and injury.
Ahead of the game promotion expert Bruce provided an update on the first-team duo and he explained why they are most likely to miss the weekend fixture.
“Baker is struggling, he’s got a bit of a groin injury,” Bruce told his Friday press conference, as posted by the club’s official Facebook page. ” Ross McCormack’s got a bit of an ankle injury, might be a bit too early for him, everybody else is thankfully okay.”
Former Scotland international McCormack has struggled in a claret and blue shirt this season following his big money transfer from Fulham during the summer.
He has scored two goals in 13 Championship games and has not found the back of the net since the 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest in September.
By contrast injury-prone Baker has made 11 appearances in all competitions this season, but has been a regular feature for Bruce, starting six out of the seven games under his the helm.
In other Aston Villa team news, Steve Bruce could make two changes to the side that faces Leeds on Saturday.