Huge blow: Gerrard dealt double Villa setback ahead of Leeds clash, fans surely gutted - opinion

Aston Villa will host Leeds United as the side return to action in the Premier League at Villa Park tonight, however Steven Gerrard has confirmed a couple of setbacks in the squad ahead of the game.

The Villa boss took to his pre-match press conference to confirm that Leon Bailey and Bertrand Traore will not be available against Leeds United.

Gerrard told the press:

“We’ve now got Leon Bailey back in full training, but he won’t be in the squad for tomorrow. Bertrand Traore’s in transit and on his way back from the Africa Cup of Nations.

“To get them back in the squad for the coming fixtures will be a big help and they’ll feel like two new signings because we haven’t seen much of them at all. That’s been a frustration for them and for us.”

Although the confirmed return of Leon Bailey will be a relief to fans, they will also be gutted that he won’t be available to start in front of the home fans at Villa Park tonight after being out for two months, since he was sidelined with a thigh injury against Manchester City.

The 24-year-old has only made nine appearances so far this season through injury, but is clearly a valued player by Gerrard, as he featured in all three games that he was available for under the manager before his spell on the treatment table.

Traore would also have been a great addition in the side too after seeing his impact on his national side Burkina Faso at AFCON, with the winger leading the African side to a semi-final.

The 26-year-old will be full of confidence following his run of form for his country, and fans would surely have loved to see him return to the side against Leeds having played much more football over the break than most of his teammates.

Gerrard will be hoping that the players he does