Steve Bruce hopes to have star trio back for Aston Villa's clash with Sheffield United

All three players were absent as Villa crashed to a 1-0 Carabao Cup defeat at Burton on Tuesday, a result which has placed a little more pressure on the game at Bramall Lane.

Grealish has been suffering with a dead leg sustained in last Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Reading, while McGinn has a sore knee and Kodjia – Villa’s top scorer this season with three goals – is sidelined with an ankle problem.

Getting the trio back fit and firing has taken on an increasing importance for Bruce as his team look to move on from a sobering night, with the manager promising a much-improved performance.

“I am going to accept criticism. I understand that. We have been beaten by Burton in a cup tie,” said Bruce.

“But we will be much better (at Sheffield United). I have used the squad and maybe I shouldn’t but if two or three had got injured then I am walking a tightrope. That’s why I’ve picked the team I did on Tuesday night.”

Villa have been linked with a loan move for Le Havre defender Harold Moukoudi. Bruce is expected to be active in the market right up until Friday’s deadline and is still keen to bring in a striker.

Out-of-favour midfielder Aaron Tshibola has rejoined Kilmarnock on a season-long loan.