Bertrand Traore and Marvelous Nakamba - Aston Villa injury latest and expected return dates ahead of Watford

Villa face Watford this weekend as they look to bounce back from their defeat to Newcastle United.

But they will have to take on the Hornets without some of their key players.

Here’s the latest on the injury front from Villa Park:

Bertrand Traore

Traore hasn’t featured for Villa since returning from the African Cup of Nations, where he represented Burkina Faso.

The former Chelsea youngster has made just six Premier League appearances this season, with only one of those a start, after being blighted by injuries.

A hamstring injury in August was followed by a thigh injury sustained on international duty in October.

Traore’s latest injury is another hamstring problem - but it is not thought to be as serious as first feared.

That means that the winger could return to full training in the coming days, with a return potentially not too far away.

Potential return date: Brighton (A) - February 26th

Marvelous Nakamba

The midfielder impressed early in the season before a knee ligament injury against Liverpool on December 11 saw his progress halted.

An exact timescale has not been placed on the Zimbabwean’s return, but it is hoped that he could return to action before the 2021/22 season is completed.

Steven Gerrard has already said that the Villans will have to assess Nakamba as the weeks go on as he nears a return.

Potential return date: April 2022

Ezri Konsa

Also absent for the game against Watford will be Ezri Konsa - but not due to injury.

The defender is serving a two-game suspension following his dismissal in the 3-3 draw with Leeds United.

Having missed the defeat at Newcastle last week, Konsa is set to return to the fold next week.

Potential return date: Brighton (A) - February 26th