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Aston Villa can ill afford a serious injury to Jonathan Kodjia

By Josh Tonti

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND- FEBRUARY 28: Jonathan Kodjia of Aston Villa and Gary O'Neil of Bristol City in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Bristol City at Villa Park on February 28, 2017 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND- FEBRUARY 28: Jonathan Kodjia of Aston Villa and Gary O'Neil of Bristol City in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Bristol City at Villa Park on February 28, 2017 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) /
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Though forward depth aplenty, Aston Villa can ill afford a serious injury to star striker Jonathan Kodjia, who limped off injured in the 81st-minute.

A physical 0-0 draw at St. Andrew’s Stadium was overshadowed by an ankle injury to Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia. According to manager Steve Bruce after the match, Kodjia rolled over the same ankle he fractured last April – the injury that left him sidelined for five months.

With a midweek trip to Preston, Kodjia is now a major doubt for Wednesday’s clash.

In his stead, 19-year old Keinan Davis looks to reclaim his place after losing out to fellow youngster, the on-loan Spurs midfielder Josh Onomah. Scott Hogan too could claim a spot alongside Davis or just ahead of Onomah himself.

Moreover, Jack Grealish featured twice for the Under-23s in the last ten days; meaning, he’s close to a senior return to the first team. A spot on the bench opens up for 19-year old Callum O’Hare too after Mile Jedinak’s recovery meant he was bounced in the match-day 18.

Make no mistake though: Any lengthy absence critically hurts Aston Villa attack. Many will argue Kodjia, who only has one goal in eight matches following his return, has struggled to impose his presence.

This is partly true, but looking solely at goal returns is a bit sophomoric. In his entire body of work, Kodjia has been very solid, if not unspectacular, according to WhoScored. 

Aston Villa has the depth and forward versatility to survive a Jonathan Kodjia injury for a few matches. However, anything past 2-3 weeks’ layoff and things get far hazier for the claret and blues. Luckily, the international break succeeds Villa’s next two league matches.

Relying solely on Scott Hogan (a consistent injury worry himself) and 19-year old Keinan Davis is a major drop-off behind Jonathan Kodjia at full strength. Villa will need to rely on continued goals from Albert Adomah and Robert Snodgrass, while hoping Jack Grealish returns and makes an impact.

Villa currently reside in the 6th-place in the league table. Just a few points adrift both the bottom-half of the table, and the top-two.

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