International Roundup: Villans Abroad
By Josh Tonti
No Aston Villa Football this week. That means the international break is upon us. Details on where every Villa player is for the next ten days:
Jonathan Kodjia brings his scintillating form back to the Golden Elephants. The Ivory Coast face Morocco on Saturday in a crucial match-up in Group C CAF World Cup Qualifying. A win there would likely put them in good shape for Russia 2018.
After, Kodjia will travel to France on Tuesday in an international friendly versus Les Bleus.
Albert Adomah and Jordan Ayew link-up with Ghana in another round of qualifying. The Black Stars of Ghana play in Egypt on Sunday at the Borg El Arab Stadium. Egypt are the current group leaders, and a win there would spell big trouble for the nation of Ghana.
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Adomah and Ayew should be expected to feature for Ghana. If not from the start, then definitely as impact subs off the bench. Ayew, especially, has been a key player for the West African nation.
Mile Jedinak and his yellow-kitted Socceroos play in Thailand on Tuesday. Australia are currently in a good position to qualify for Russia 2018. A win in Bangkok would help further the cause.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce already ruled out Jedinak for the following Saturday’s clash with Brighton and Hove Albion.
The bearded Jedinak will not be fully recovered after traveling half a world away just seventy-two hours prior.
Current captain James Chester once again links up with the European Championship semi-finalists Wales. The central defender is expected to start against Serbia in UEFA World Cup Qualifying. The match takes place in Cardiff on Saturday, November 12th.
Additionally, Jack Grealish and Pierluigi Gollini are set to face-off as England and Italy U-21s play on Monday. Could be quite interesting if both key players end up featuring for their respective nations.
Finally, several academy players will travel Europe for more youth international competition.
Andre Green, Easah Suliman, and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy will represent England U-19s in more qualifiers. They will face: Greece, Luxembourg, and Wales in group play format. Additionally, goalkeeper Viktor Johansson was called in for Sweden under-19s as they prepare for their trio of qualifiers.
Finally, Jack Clarke and James Finnerty will feature for Ireland U-18s in two friendlies.