Aston Villa suffer fresh injury blow ahead of trip to Fulham

Ahead of their trip to Craven Cottage this Saturday, Aston Villa have been dealt another injury blow to add to the growing list of potential absentees.

Winger Jaden Philogene is a doubt to face Fulham after suffering an injury playing for the England under-21 side. Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, reports that the injury is not as bad as initially feared but he is likely to be absent for this weekend's game.

Injuries becoming a problem already for Villa

This new season has only seen Aston Villa play seven Premier League games so far, but the number of injuries to have occurred since the opening day has matched the number of games played. The congested fixture schedule that has seen Villa contend with Premier League and Champions League games, as well as two international periods, has certainly taken its toll.

Matty Cash, John McGinn, Amadou Onana, Jacob Ramsey, Diego Carlos and Leon Bailey have already had to miss at least one game through injury. Ezri Konsa is also a doubt to play Fulham this weekend having suffered an injury in the draw with Manchester United that resulted in the defender withdrawing from the England squad.

Philogene's absence means that Leon Bailey and Jacob Ramsey are the only remaining wide players available. Both have been struggling for fitness, with the latter not featuring since suffering his injury against Bayern Munich.

Last season saw Villa struggle over the line after an incredible first half of the campaign, which saw them in the top three of the Premier League at Christmas. Villa did enough to secure fourth place but the injuries within the squad resulted in a downturn in form and there is a worry already that injuries will take their toll on the Villa squad's chances of finishing in the top four once more.

Early team news for The Cottagers

Fulham will be without both Carlos Vinicius and Jorge Cuenca. Vinicius will be absent with a calf injury whilst Spanish defender Cuenca will miss the game with an ankle injury. Both are thought to be weeks away from returning to action.

Joachim Andersen is also a doubt for the game against Villa. The former Crystal Palace centre-half has suffered a knock but it is believed he will be ready for this weekend's game.

Fulham have started the season very well and sit in eighth place, just three points behind Villa. Raul Jimenez has registered three goals and an assist already this season and is looking to be showing the form of years ago in a Wolves shirt.

UTV