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Aston Villa defender James Chester is in a late rush to prove his fitness as Dean Smith prepares his side for the 127th Second City derby, per reports on the Express & Star.
What’s the word?
The 29-year-old has featured in 16 of the claret and blue outfit’s 17 Championship games so far this season – missing only the trip to Millwall through suspension.
Doubts rose over his inclusion in the Birmingham derby after he was forced off in the 50th minute of Wales’ 2-1 defeat to Denmark last Friday.
Villa medical staff have since examined the Manchester United product at Bodymoor Heath upon his return, but no decision will be made until the game is near to give Chester the best chance of featuring.
Across the 35-cap Wales international’s season, Chester has recorded a total of 15 interceptions, an attempted tackle every 73.9 and leads the club by some way with 111 clearances.
The Playmaker FC squad decided to wind-up some unsuspecting Brazil fans at the Emirates on Saturday night. Watch the hilarious results in the video below…
Who could step in?
When Chester was ruled out of the Millwall trip, thanks to a red card against Preston North End, Smith called on Alan Hutton to partner Axel Tuanzebe in the centre.
Once again, the 47-year-old head coach may be forced to play the right-back in the centre as there is not a clear stand-in for the 29-year-old. But with left-back Neil Taylor’s involvement also in doubt, Smith could be left with the prospect of being forced to deploy the 50-cap Scotland international on the left instead – Hutton has previously played there nine times this season.
That would leave just one viable alternative to Chester in the centre alongside the on-loan Manchester United defender, Mile Jedinak.
The 34-year-old Australian, who has come under criticism from Villa fans on Twitter when he has played at the heart of the backline, has featured more as a central defender this season than he has in his natural defensive midfield role – eight games to one – and averages 1.8 tackles, 2.3 interceptions and 7.3 clearances per game.
How should Smith tackle Chester’s potential absence? Let us know below…