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.
9. Diego Carlos
Like Kamara, won’t be registered until July 1st so will arrive then. | Getty Images
10. Leon Bailey
Did well for Jamaica in recent outings bagging a goal, will return a week later. | Getty Images
11. Tim Iroegbunam
Involved in England U19 European qualifying games. | Getty Images
12. Carney Chukwuemeka
Played alongside Iroegbunam for England U19s. Both played very well in the fixtures. | Getty Images