Aston Villa vs Leicester City injury news - as seven players ruled out and two doubtful

Aston Villa play host to Premier League relegation battlers Leicester City on Saturday afternoon as Unai Emery’s side hope to win a third successive match. The Villans could soar into the top half of the standings with a victory, whereas the Foxes are desperate for three points.

Leicester have really struggled of late, losing four of their last five league fixtures. They just about scraped through in the FA Cup fourth round against Walsall last weekend as they make it at least two stages further than Villa in that particular competition.

What matters most, though, is retaining their Premier League status and, as things stand, it is seriously under threat. Villa, who are now well away from the relegation zone, will be eager to rub salt in the wound as a win would go a long way toward their top 10 hopes.

What is the team news for Aston Villa vs Leicester City?

This weekend’s hosts have the advantage on the injury news front, as both John McGinn (hamstring) and Lucas Digne (shoulder) are expected to return to the matchday squad following some time on the sidelines. Diego Carlos and Jed Steer both remain out with their Achilles tendon injuries but they could be back later this month.

Meanwhile, there could be a debut off the bench for new striker signing Jhon Duran who has now had a while to get to know his new colleagues. Bertrand Traore, who was recently recalled from his loan spell at Basaksehir, is still recovering from a knee problem. He is expected to be available in a couple of weeks.

The visitors will have to make do without star defensive midfielder Wilfred Ndidi due to personal reasons, but Jamie Vardy could feature. The veteran striker has been out with a glute issue, and although he remains a doubt, he could get some minutes in the tank. New signing Harry Souttar, who joined from Stoke City on deadline day, is a doubt with a hip problem.

Former Manchester United centre half Jonny Evans is set to be back in training next week, but Saturday comes too soon. The same can be said for Boubakary Soumare and Ricardo Pereira. Other than that, Rodgers has a fully fit squad to select from.

Ruled out: B. Traore, Steer, Carlos (AVL); Evans, Soumare, Pereira, Ndidi (LEI).

Doubts: Souttar, Vardy (LEI).