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.
13. Cameron Archer
Bagged for fun throughout the season in the Championship and then started bagging for fun for England U21s recently. Photo: Nathan Stirk
14. Jacob Ramsey
Heavily involved in England U21 action with fellow teammate Archer. Photo: Getty Images
15. Jed Steer
Steer suffered a nasty season-ending injury whilst with Luton Town and he continues to recover from that. Photo: Tony Marshall
16. Ezri Konsa
Konsa’s pre-season status was a little up in the air after picking up that injury at the end of last season. Unlikely to be involved straightaway though Gerrard was more optimistic about him in his final press conference of the year. | Getty Images