Newcastle United boost with Jack Grealish 'doubtful' for Premier League fixture against Aston Villa

Aston Villa star Jack Grealish is a doubt for Friday night's Premier League fixture at Newcastle United. (Photo by NEIL HALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The 25-year-old has sat out of Villa’s previous four matches with a shin problem – and Dean Smith’s men have won just once without him.

Villa have also failed to score in their last two fixtures during the 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United and the goalless draw against Wolves.

Villa’s visit to St James’s Park had been penciled in as a potential return date for Grealish, however the Daily Mirror report it could come too soon for him.

The England international will be assessed on Thursday but the prospect of him travelling to the North East “remains in the balance” having only undertaken some light training this week.

Grealish has scored six league goals and provided 10 assists this season as Villa chase an unlikely European spot.

Smith is due to speak to the media on Thursday morning, with Grealish’s fitness high on the agenda.