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Aston Villa midfielder Birkir Bjarnason back in training

Villa midfielder Birkir Bjarnason is back in training after undergoing a groin operation.

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The Iceland international has been out for six games since suffering the injury in the defeat at Queens Park Rangers, in boss Dean Smith’s third game in charge.

The 30-year-old had, until then, impressed in anchoring the midfield as Smith looked to get Villa playing on the front foot. And Bjarnason yesterday posted a picture on social media with the caption ‘Boots on’ as he looks to return to the first team fold.

Saturday’s fixture against Stoke City could prove too soon for a return, with Villa also having Jack Grealish and Neil Taylor doubtful after picking up injuries in the derby draw at Albion.

Elsewhere though, Smith is hoping striker Tammy Abraham can find his shooting boots after fluffing his lines against the Baggies with a number of missed chances.

Smith said: “He keeps getting in the right areas. His workrate is good, he’s getting the chances and we’ll keep on creating them for him.”