Aston Villa's Jack Grealish facing up to three months out after surgery
Jack Grealish is facing up to three months out following a freak injury in Villa’s final pre-season friendly.
The 21-year-old needed surgery after suffering a bleed in a kidney when he collided with Watford’s Tom Cleverley during Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Villa Park.
Grealish’s dad Kevin confirmed the extent of the injury on social media, posting a message on the player’s behalf.
It read: “Absolutely devastated....got a nasty elbow to the stomach in which caused a bleed in my kidney.
“Had a mini op early this morning and will now be out for at least 2-3 months.
“Gutted as season about to start next week but will come back fitter and stronger.”
Grealish was taken to hospital after being forced off just 26 minutes into Saturday’s game, eventually undergoing minor surgery on Sunday morning.
His injury is a significant blow to Villa and manager Steve Bruce just days before the start of the Championship campaign.
Despite a somewhat inconsistent 2016/17 season, Grealish still finished as the club’s second highest scorer with five goals and was due a significant role from the start as Villa seek a return to the Premier League this term.
