Jack Grealish out 2-3 months with a kidney rupture
By Josh Tonti
![BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 29: Jack Grealish of Aston Villa cools down prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Leeds United at Villa Park on December 29, 2016 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 29: Jack Grealish of Aston Villa cools down prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Leeds United at Villa Park on December 29, 2016 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/b45b5f98c6f83afeb20e66f4d8871afd16de1a0d048ed383a92022094b4a231a.jpg)
Aston Villa attacking midfielder Jack Grealish is out 2-3 months after a freak injury in the club’s final pre-season friendly against Watford. Grealish took a knee to the ribs and subsequently suffered a kidney rupture.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jack Grealish.
Grealish suffered an internal kidney injury that will keep him out for up to three months, according to Jack’s father, Kevin.
This is a big blow to Aston Villa as the claret and blue lose a vital piece of creativity. Grealish started the final friendly in the number ten hole – a position that very few in the first team can adequately cover.
This was to be a huge season for Grealish, and it still may be one after, hopefully, a full recovery. He’s played well over the last two years during his age 20 and 21 seasons, albeit in a part-time role. Small injuries, suspensions, and squad competition continue to plague Jack’s ability to put months of match time together.
More from Claret Villans
- Aston Villa dismiss Everton for first win of Premier League season
- Tyrone Mings injured in Aston Villa’s season-opening 5-1 defeat
- Aston Villa draw Hibernian or FC Luzern for Europa Conference League play-off
- Aston Villa sign winger Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen
- Aston Villa close in on deal to sign Pau Torres from Villareal
The most likely scenario for Aston Villa is Conor Hourihane secures a spot in the starting eleven. Hourihane in the attacking midfield role frees Andre Green on the left flank. Moreover, Steve Bruce can then cast Henri Lansbury and Glenn Whelan/Mile Jedinak behind the Irishman.
For the second consecutive year, injuries continue to plague the Villa. Jonathan Kodjia, Albert Adomah, Jedinak, Jack Grealish, and possibly none/both goalkeepers will miss the opening league match against Hull City.
One possible way Steve Bruce lines up for the opener?
In a 4-2-3-1 he used against Watford: Steer; Hutton/Bree, Chester, Terry (c), Taylor; Whelan, Lansbury; Elmohamady, Hourihane, Green; Hogan
Substitutes: Sarkic, Samba, Hutton/Bree, Amavi, Bacuna, Bjarnason, Agbonlahor.