Aston Villa handed injury boost for Southampton clash as Gerrard 'hopeful' over Nakamba return

Steven Gerrard has confirmed Carney Chukwuemeka will miss Aston Villa's clash against Southampton on Saturday, while Bertrand Traore could feature after returning to training this week.

The Burkina Faso international has only made one start under Gerrard since he succeeded Dean Smith as head coach back in November, which came against Brentford, just before he jetted off to AFCON.

Traore returned to Bodymoor Heath with a hamstring issue and missed the whole of Villa's February schedule as a result.

With the 26-year-old available for selection this weekend, it will be the first time Gerrard has all six attacking options at his disposal since he joined the club.

Southampton's trip to Villa will come too soon for midfielder Chukwuemeka, however.

"Carney will miss tomorrow's game, he's got an outside chance of being involved against Leeds," Gerrard confirmed.

"He's back out on the pitch, clearing one or two things before he comes back into full training, hopefully on Monday.

"And Bertrand Traore has trained the last two days, Thursday and Friday, he's come through with no issues so he's available for selection.

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