Jacob Ramsey ruled out of Aston Villa clash v Liverpool with injury
Aston Villa will be without midfielder Jacob Ramsey for their Premier League fixture against Liverpool according to manager Steven Gerrard.
The England Under-21 midfielder has been a key man under the new boss since his arrival in November last year, scoring six goals and registering one assist so far this season.
But after picking up a groin injury in training, Ramsey missed the last game against Burnley and will not be available to play Liverpool although the boss did reveal that he is hopeful of a return at the weekend against Crystal Palace.
“Jacob’s got a chance for the weekend, unfortunately he won’t be involved tomorrow,” he said as quoted by Birmingham Mail.
“The squad will be very similar to what it was, similar to what it was against Burnley. We haven’t got any fresh injury worries, or anyone out of the squad.”
Gerrard also revealed that youngster Ben Chrisene will be part of the squad too after playing 90 minutes for the reserves in a behind-closed-doors game this week.
Blow
Villa picked up a big win at the weekend without Ramsey, but the midfield lacks dynamism when he isn’t in the side and it’s clear why Gerrard is such a big fan of his.
He is able to break the lines with his powerful running and ability to get away from defenders, but also with his passing from deeper positions and provides a great threat in and around the penalty area.
He’s a big miss to the side, but Gerrard has been able to look at how to adapt without him and the duo of Douglas Luiz and John McGinn found their form again at the weekend.
Now they will need to be at their very best again when they take on a Liverpool side out for blood in the title race after they dropped points against Tottenham.
Gerrard will be keen to put to rest the talk of him rolling over for Liverpool, so expect a strong team that will look to compete for all three points.
In other Aston Villa news, Richard Keys blasts Emi Martinez for time wasting during Aston Villa win v Burnley