Aston Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia expected to travel for international duty

The 28-year-old has missed Villa’s last two Championship games, including Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, after rolling his ankle in a 0-0 derby draw at Blues.

But boss Steve Bruce still expects Kodjia to be absent from Bodymoor Heath for much of the next fortnight, with the Ivory Coast facing Morocco in a must-win World Cup qualifier this Saturday.

Australian midfielder Mile Jedinak, who has made just three substitute appearances this season after undergoing groin surgery in the summer, will meanwhile embark on an arduous round-the-world trip, first to Honduras and then Down Under for a two-legged World Cup play-off.

On loan Tottenham midfielder Josh Onomah is however not expected to feature for England under-21s after missing Saturday’s game with a groin problem.

Teenagers Callum O’Hare and Keinan Davis are both on standby for England under-20s.

Villa return to action when they head to QPR on Saturday week and Bruce said: “It has been a gruelling spell and some of the lads are going away.

“Some have got big games and Jedinak doesn't get back until next Friday.

“The two Irish lads, (Glenn) Whelan and (Conor) Hourihane, will be away. We've got the youngsters who probably will be away.

“Kodjia will probably be going. The Ivory Coast have got a big game. He wants to go and by next Saturday he will probably be fit.

“I hope that Josh Onomah will be fit for QPR. He will report with the Under-21s but he will not play, that's for sure.”

Saturday’s defeat was Villa’s first at home in the Championship this season. Winger Adam Reach put Wednesday ahead with a stunning strike after 19 seconds, before Jordan Rhodes doubled the advantage.

Chris Samba fired a late consolation for Villa, who remain in the top six.

Bruce said: “We had an awful start to the game and the guy smashed one in from 30 yards and has given them a big lift. It is not often you are one up in 20 seconds and it is a great goal.

“Then they've produced another good goal on their behalf to be fair. It has given us a lot to do and we've struggled.

“It is one of those awful afternoons we have to erase and get one with it. We are still right in the mix.”