Aston Villa will be without Matty Cash for the foreseeable future after he picked up a hamstring injury in the 0-0 draw with Brighton last week.
The 23-year-old was brought off after an hour on Saturday night and was doubtful going into the Leicester clash this weekend, and Dean Smith has now confirmed that he will be missing for “a few weeks”.
When asked if Cash would be fit to play against the Foxes, the manager told VillaTV: “No. Matt Cash will be out. He’s obviously got a hamstring strain. I’m not sure of the level of grading, but it will be a few weeks out, which is a blow. But it’s something we’re quite capable of dealing with.”
The player gave an update on Twitter and defiantly told his followers: “Little setback for a major comeback, I’ll be back stronger.”
Cash will be a loss for Villa as he has impressed at right-back since last summer’s arrival from Nottingham Forest. No player in the squad has won more tackles (54) or made more interceptions (49) and only Jack Grealish has delivered a greater quantity of accurate crosses (WhoScored).
The 23-year-old has made 21 Premier League appearances, creating 17 chances, making two assists, whipping in 64 crosses, blocking 41 shots/passes/crosses, making 65 clearances, completing 58.3% of his dribbles and averaging a tackle or interception every 18 minutes (WhoScored).
In his stead, Smith can call upon Ahmed Elmohamady, who has been a trusted deputy for Villa.
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Losing Cash is a blow as he has been outstanding at right-back, but Elmohamady is a fantastic professional and kept in the squad for this exact reason.
He should now get a run of games while Cash is out and will surely be desperate to prove his worth to his manager and the supporters.
