Aston Villa hit-man Tammy Abraham is ‘fine’ to play against Bolton Wanderers, with the game set to ‘come too soon’ for his fellow striker Jonathan Kodjia.
On Friday, the Villains chase a ninth consecutive win when they face Bolton away, and amid several concerns about members of their squad, their top scorer is all clear.
After opening the scoring against playoff-chasing Bristol City last Saturday, Abraham was forced off with a hamstring problem mid-way into the second half. Coach Dean Smith disclosed it was a precautionary measure after their eighth successive win. He has declared that the 24-goal Chelsea loanee is ready for the Bolton game.
The game would be out of sight for Cote d'Ivoire international Kodjia, who suffered a rib injury after his matchwinning display against Rotherham United last week Wednesday.
According to Smith, an appearance in Easter Monday’s clash against Millwall is a possibility.
“Kortney (Hause) hasn’t got back on the grass yet but I expect him back the Tuesday after the Millwall game,” Smith said ahead of Bolton’s game.
“(Tommy) Elphick is training with us now and getting his fitness work back. He’s worked his way back to full fitness. Chezzie has done some grass work and hopefully will be back before the end of the season.
“Jimmy (Kodjia) isn’t as sore as he was. Friday will probably come too soon but he should be in contention against Millwall.
“Jack (Grealish) is fine. Tammy (Abraham) is fine, too. It was more of a fatigue injury than anything else.”
While Abraham has dominated the headlines with 24 goals in 36 Championship games, his Ivorian counterpart has been supportive with seven from the same number of games, starting only 19 times.
Kodjia's Cote d'Ivoire have been drawn in Group D at the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off on June 21 in Egypt.
The Elephants will begin their Afcon campaign against South Africa in Cairo, before meeting Morocco and Namibia in Cairo as they look to reach the knockout stages.
