Steven Gerrard issues update on Aston Villa’s ‘niggling’ injury problems ahead of Chelsea clash

Steven Gerrard has confirmed the Aston Villa injury latest ahead of his side’s clash with Chelsea.

It has been a frustrating start to the season for Villa, who have picked up just nine points from as many games. Gerrard’s men are unbeaten in four games ahead of the visit of Chelsea, but they have won just one of their last seven Premier League games, winning only two so far this term.

The Midlands side have struggled with injuries over the last few weeks, which doesn’t help, and things don’t seem to be getting much better ahead of the Chelsea clash.

“Lucas Digne, we’re hoping at the end of the month, we’ll progress him for the end of the month,” Gerrard said in his pre-match press conference. “The two main injuries - Kamara and Carlos - are progressing at a slower pace, obviously. Luda (Ludwig Augustinsson) should be available at the end of the month as well and the rest have come through but we’ve got a few niggles off the back of Forest.

“Cameron Archer’s groin is still niggling away so we’re going to have to do something with him at a later date but he’s still available for selection. Matty Cash never trained yesterday but did part of the session today. He’s had a reaction in a different area from his injury but should be available following on from Monday night.”

Chelsea should be confident of picking up three points at Villa Park if their recent form is anything to go by. The Blues have won all of their last four games, picking up significantly since the arrival of Graham Potter.

Though, Villa will be desperate to pick up form, and Gerrard is under pressure even at this early stage.

“We know – and I’ll say it as loud as you want me to say it – that we’re not firing on all cylinders,” Gerrard admitted. “But there’s also a lot of things right in terms of how we look: our structure defensively, the effort and commitment of the boys, we’re getting a lot of players back into better form.

“We know that the last bit, the execution part, will come. Players will step forward and take these moments. A little bit of confidence or belief in a big moment or a bit of luck can go in our favour and we can get there and start firing on all cylinders.

“All is not wrong in my eyes. I’m seeing a lot of good stuff. The players are seeing that as well and we’re reminding them of it.

“When you say, ‘four games unbeaten’, it sounds better than it is because we know the last two should have been six points from six, and we’d have been talking about the best place Villa have been in since I’ve been in the door.

“The margins are small and fine but we’re well aware of where we should be. That’s on me and that’s on us.”