Express & Star

Keinan Davis injury becoming serious worry for Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce

Steve Bruce admits Keinan Davis’s continued struggle with a rare groin injury has become a serious worry with the Villa striker still no closer to making a return.

Published
Last updated

Davis has been sidelined for much of the last five months due to an inflammation of the pubic bone.

The 20-year-old has not made a Championship appearance since March, with his only first-team outing coming in a pre-season friendly at Telford last month.

Davis, who enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season, has been to see a specialist in an attempt to resolve the problem without success.

Remarkably, his team-mate Scott Hogan is suffering from exactly the same issue and their continued absence is now a major concern for Villa boss Bruce, who currently has Jonathan Kodjia as his only fit senior striker.

“To have one is enough but to have two is quite remarkable because they’re very rare injuries,” said Bruce. “We’ve been to see specialists and all-sorts.

“Keinan is becoming a worry to us all. It’s a shame on the kid.

“He’s been blighted now since last March with it. He takes two steps forward and one step backwards at the moment which is upsetting for us all.”

Bruce continued: “It’s been a cycle of rest, gym work, he goes along OK and then all of a sudden it’s sore again.

“It’s really disappointing, He’s down about it, like any player would be. But when you’re a young one, it must be difficult.”

Davis and Hogan will again miss out when Villa head to Ipswich on Saturday, aiming to make it three wins from three games.