Aston Villa are optimistic over Morgan Rogers’ ankle injury ahead of their Premier League opener against Newcastle United on Saturday.
The 23-year-old was brought on as a half-time substitute in Villa’s 4-0 win against Roma last Wednesday but was forced off after two minutes due to a problem with his left ankle.
Rogers required immediate treatment from the physio but managed to walk off the pitch when he was substituted.
The midfielder did not take any part in Villa’s two friendlies over the weekend against Marseille and Villarreal, which were their final two pre-season fixtures before the new Premier League campaign begins this week.
However, Villa are understood to believe that Rogers’ injury is not serious and the club are hopeful that the midfielder will be available for their game at home to Newcastle on Saturday.
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Villa will also be without goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who is suspended for the game against Newcastle after he received a straight red card in the 2-0 defeat to Manchester United on the final day of last season.
Newcastle, meanwhile, also have their own injury concern as Anthony Gordon suffered an ankle injury in the 2-0 defeat at home to Atletico Madrid last Saturday.
Gordon, however, played down the severity of the injury in a post on Instagram after the game which read: ‘Just twisted my ankle, no problems. Glad to be back home. Business time next.’
After playing Newcastle, Unai Emery’s side will then travel to Brentford on August 23 before hosting Crystal Palace at Villa Park on August 29.
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