Fulham visit 'too soon' for Jack Grealish's Aston Villa return

Midfielders Henri Lansbury (knee) and Mile Jedinak (groin) are poised to miss out once more, while attacker Jack Grealish remains on the sidelines, despite making a return to action for the club’s under-23s earlier this week.

Grealish, who had been out for almost three months after suffering kidney damage, played an hour of Villa’s 2-0 win over Wolves at Telford on Monday and is expected to get another run out for the under-23s next week.

“It’s good to see them back in training but it’s too soon for all of them,” said Bruce.

“Some of them will take part again for the under-23s at Reading on Monday. They’re making good progress.”

Andre Green and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy (both hamstring) are long-term absentees, while left-back Neil Taylor will serve the second of a three-game ban against the Cottagers.

Bruce has called for a response from his players after last week’s 2-0 derby defeat at Wolves.

A win on Saturday would likely lift Villa into the top six and the boss said: "We have to try and erase the defeat, it happens and we have to accept they were better than us on the day.

"Fulham is another game and we need a big and better performance against a very good side.

"Nobody likes to lose to local rivals, the Championship is just starting, winter is upon us and there are some tough games ahead.

"There is a long way to go and things are just taking shape. We seem to have our worst performances after international duty and we seemed tired.

"There is another big game coming up tomorrow and Fulham are very decent, particularly away from home.”

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