Nathan Baker a fitness doubt for Aston Villa
Villa are assessing the fitness of defender Nathan Baker ahead of tomorrow's home game with Rotherham.
The 25-year-old centre-back is still being checked over after suffering a head injury during Wednesday's 3-1 League Cup defeat at Luton Town.
Jores Okore or Micah Richards are standing by to deputise should Baker not recover, though James Chester could also be an option, should the defender complete his move from Albion in time.
Villa boss Roberto Di Matteo insisted negotiations were still ongoing with the Welsh international, who is poised to join a deal which could be worth up to £10million.
"We are negotiating so you never know until it is signed but we have definitely made a big effort to bring him here," said Di Matteo. "It is difficult to say (whether he will be signed in time for tomorrow).
"We are closing on other targets as well. You never know how quick it is going to go, there are many parties involved but we are doing our bit to persuade people."
Di Matteo's side go into tomorrow's first home game of the season desperately seeking a win to boost confidence. Villa have not tasted victory in any competition for more than six months.
Di Matteo said: "The best recipe is to win the first home game. It will help the environment. It's a long season. We're looking forward to seeing the first game.
"I can see improvement from the first day I came in. We are moving in the right direction. What we need is a good game and good result to give everyone the confidence."
