Aston Villa’s first team squad will return to Bodymoor Heath training ground next week (June 27) to complete the traditional pre-season fitness tests ahead of another strenuous pre-season and the first under manager Steven Gerrard.
But not everyone will be there.
Certain members of the senior squad are expected to be absent for a futher week or more due to their overriding schedules with club and country whilst others remain unavailable through injury.
In fact, the majority of the ‘core’ group, if you will, won’t return until early July and then will face a fitness crash course ahead of the first pre-season fixture away at Walsall before heading down under for the inaugural Queensland Champions Cup in Australia.
Here’s the full list of expected absentees for Monday 27th June.
5. Lucas Digne
Been a mainstay for France in their recent international fixtures. | Getty Images
6. John McGinn
A tough few weeks of UEFA Nations League action with Scotland. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group
7. Philippe Coutinho
Has been away with Brazil though hasn’t featured much. Still likely to come in a little later. | Getty Images
8. Boubacar Kamara
Isn’t officially a Villa player until July 1st but either way he’s featured heavily for France in recent weeks. | avfc.co.uk