Aston Villa midfielder fit for Brighton clash - but winger set to miss out

The 31-year-old has been out of action since January with calf and knee issues but is ready to play a part in the season’s run-in.

After what has been an injury-plagued season to this point, boss Unai Emery now has a virtually full squad to choose from with Leon Bailey the only player expected to be unavailable against the Seagulls.

Wednesday’s game is a “six-pointer” in the race for a top-five Premier League finish which would likely secure a place in next season’s Champions League. Villa sit ninth in the table, two points and places behind the hosts and just three behind fifth-placed Manchester City.

Emery said: “We are in the last part of the season and every point we achieved and lost before, now is the moment we have to identify how we are, focus on every match and the reality that Brighton have two points (more than us) in a European position.

“To get Conference League, Europa League or Champions League is the consequences of how we are doing in the season. Brighton are there now and tomorrow is three points for them, three points for us or one point for each team.

“We’re going to try and prepare the match to face the match thinking to achieve the three points. We’re respecting them and being very demanding with how we can achieve it.”