Aston Villa v Leeds United injury news - as seven players confirmed out and six doubtful

Aston Villa play host to Leeds United in the Premier League on Friday evening as Unai Emery’s look to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to League Two opposition. The Lions crashed out of the Emirates FA Cup in the Third Round last weekend as Stevenage recorded a late turnaround victory at Villa Park.

Supporters left the ground in shock after their team capitulated in the last five minutes of the clash. Belgian international Leander Dendoncker was sent off after a lapse of concentration led to a silly tug on the shirt of Dean Campbell in the penalty area. Stevenage converted through Jamie Reid before Campbell got a goal of his own just two minutes later.

Leeds, meanwhile, enjoyed the complete opposite as their FA Cup trip to Cardiff City ended in a stoppage-time Lilywhites equaliser, earning a replay. Cardiff went down to 10 in the 80th minute and Jesse Marsch’s men took full advantage, with youngster Sonny Perkins the man to get the ball in the net with just moments left on the clock.

Just three positions separate Villa and Leeds ahead of Friday, but there is a five-point difference. The visitors have won just four matches this campaign, whereas the Lions have been victorious in six. It is probably Leeds who have the advantage on the team news front, however. Here is all the latest.

What is the injury news ahead of Aston Villa vs Leeds United?

Emery has to deal with a whole host of injury problems ahead of the clash. Matty Cash, who went off against Stevenage holding his thigh, will be assessed whereas fellow full-back Ludwig Augustinsson is expected to miss out after he limped off with an ankle problem in the same game. New signing Alex Moreno could theoretically play, but it may be a little soon.

Dendoncker is unavailable due to the suspension picked up last weekend but Jacob Ramsey, who had some minutes off the bench in that match, could get his first start in a long while. Experienced midfielder John McGinn has suffered a grade two hamstring tear, as per Ashley Preece. Diego Carlos (achilles) remains sidelined.

The visitors remain without wing-back Stuart Dallas (leg) but Marsch confirmed a few injured players are back in contention, albeit doubts. Luis Sinisterra (ankle) was expected to return to training at ‘the end of the week’, so the game comes too soon for him.

Key man Patrick Bamford (lack of fitness) has been back with the group for a number of days, as have Liam Cooper, Robin Koch (both glute) and Adam Forshaw (hip). The condition of Archie Gray is unclear after a ‘defect’ was found in his ankle two months ago.

Ruled out: Augustinsson, Dendoncker, Carlos, McGinn, Steer (AVL); Dallas, Sinisterra (LEE).

Doubts: Cash (AVL); Bamford, Cooper, Koch, Forshaw, Gray (LEE).