Jonathan Kodjia could boost under-fire Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce
Star striker Jonathan Kodjia could make his long-awaited return for Villa in tonight’s crunch Championship clash with Middlesbrough.
The 27-year-old played 45 minutes for the club’s under-23s at Walsall’s Banks’s Stadium last night, his first competitive action since suffering a broken ankle back in April.
Villa boss Steve Bruce is now likely to name the Ivory Coast international on the bench for the visit of Boro, as he seeks a win to ease the pressure which has built during a poor start to the season which has seen his team take just six points from their opening six league games.
Bruce is also expected to hand Robert Snodgrass a full debut following the on loan West Ham winger’s cameo appearance against Brentford. Midfielder fit-again Mile Jedinak could also see his first action of the season.
Villa will meanwhile assess the fitness of teenage trio Andre Green, Josh Onomah and Keinan Davis after all three were forced off with injury on Saturday.
Green has a hamstring injury, while Davis and Onomah have both been troubled by muscle injuries.
Middlesbrough go into the game sixth in the table, four points ahead of the hosts. Former Villa wingers Adama Traore and Stewart Downing are both expected to feature for the visitors.
