Dean Smith could make attacking changes for Aston Villa clash amid injury boost

Norwich City are set to welcome American international centre-forward Josh Sargent back to fitness for this weekend's meeting with Aston Villa.

Dean Smith 's side come into this game still sitting bottom of the Premier League table and knowing that if results go against them on Saturday afternoon that their relegation back to the Championship could be confirmed. A Villa win combined with all three points for Burnley at Watford would seal their fate with four matches remaining.

Steven Gerrard 's side won the reverse fixture 2-0 at Carrow Road through second-half goals from Jacob Ramsey and Ollie Watkins. Burnley, meanwhile, have won two straight for the first time since February and are unbeaten in three matches under interim manager Mike Jackson.

According to our colleagues at Norfolk Live, Sargent was set to start training again on Monday and there are hopes of a return to the squad for the trip to Villa Park. The 22-year-old has missed the last four matches with an ankle issue.

Smith said as much after of their defeat to Newcastle United last week. “Josh Sargent will be okay for Aston Villa next week but not this week,” said Smith ahead of last weekend. “He's starting training on Monday.”

Before this injury, the striker had started six out of seven matches up front alongside Teemu Pukki for the goal-shy Canaries. Norwich have scored 22 goals in their 33 matches so far this season, seven less than anyone else in the league.

Pukki leads the way with ten in total, while strike-partner Sargent is second with four goals across all competitions. Just two of those have been in the league, though, both coming in a 3-0 against Watford back in January.

Elsewhere on the injury front, Norwich are also expected to be