Aston Villa have had a shaky start to the Premier League as they have lost thrice in the first four games. Their loss against Crystal Palace came under controversial circumstances as their equaliser was disallowed late on in the game which many believe should have stood.
Dean Smith will soon be learning that there is minimal margin for error at the top level, but he should take confidence from the way his team has played so far. The club is also set to receive a boost as experienced defender James Chester is close to (Birmingham Mail) returning to training.
Captain’s shaky last six months
Chester had suffered from a hamstring injury against Shrewsbury Town in pre-season, and the centre back is yet to feature in a matchday squad so far. The defender had missed a good chunk of the last season as well as he didn’t feature after Villa’s 29th Championship game. Incidentally, the club went on a good run of games at that time and made it to the Premier League. Chester, who is the club captain, was also linked with a move away this summer but he stayed put at Villa Park.
Amid all this, one can sense that he will find it tough to break into the starting eleven even though he is the designated captain of the side. Smith recently said, ”It has been a frustrating one with his hamstring injury, but I am hoping he will be back in training during the international break.”
What now for Chester?
It could still be a month before Chester becomes match fit after a lengthy injury spell. The likes of Tyrone Mings and Bjorn Engels have done well at the back so far, and it remains to be seen whether the manager would tinker with the centre back partnership to accomodate the 30-year-old defender.
We think that he will find it hard to get game time, and he is likely going to stay as a backup option. It might be slightly harsh, but such steps need to be taken at the top level. Burnley also found themselves in a similar position not too long ago as captain Tom Heaton was out with a long term injury and Nick Pope deputised for him in goal.
The youngster did so well that Dyche couldn’t draft in Heaton into the starting eleven after he became available and as a result, he was sold this summer to Villa. Having Chester back in the setup will be a boost for the Villans, but he might have to be prepared to play second fiddle as Engels and Mings have impressed.
