Huge boost: Aston Villa handed big injury update that’ll surely have fans relieved - opinion

Aston Villa are back in Premier League action once again this weekend after their thrilling 3-3 draw against Leeds United in midweek.

Looking ahead to the match against Eddie Howe’s relegation-battling Newcastle United, it seems as though the Villa supporters can breathe a sigh of relief regarding the fitness of one of their key players.

Speaking in his recent press conference ahead of the clash at St James’ Park, Villa manager Steven Gerrard outlined the current situation surrounding Philippe Coutinho’s fitness after the 29-year-old was taken off in the second half in midweek.

The 41-year-old said: “Phil’s fine. He got a bit of cramp in a few different areas and he tired a lot – he gave a lot to the game. In terms of being available for Newcastle, I’m sure he’ll be fine with a couple of recovery days.”

Since arriving at Villa Park on loan from Barcelona during the January transfer window, the Brazilian has scored two goals (the first which came on his debut in the 2-2 draw against Manchester United) and provided two assists, which both came during the midweek draw against Leeds, when he also scored.

The 29-year-old’s three league performances for Villa this season have seen him shoot to the top of WhoScored’s list of highest-rated players in Gerrard’s squad, with an overall rating of 7.53/10.

Given how much of an impact Coutinho has had on the team in an attacking sense since his arrival, it’s safe to say that Villa fans will be pleased to hear that Gerrard thinks he could be fine to play against Newcastle.

Also, with the Magpies being unbeaten in their four previous league games and surely desperate to keep that run going and move away from the relegation zone, Villa could well need the Brazilian’s attacking