Mings, Bailey, Ramsey: Aston Villa injury news latest and return dates ahead of Newcastle United clash

Aston Villa have enjoyed a largely positive first half of the season and will head into the festive period looking to force their way into the top four in the Premier League table.

Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest brought a negative end to what had been an impressive week after Unai Emery’s side battled their way to a 1-0 home win against Southampton before continuing their remarkable Champions League form with a 3-2 win at Bundesliga club RB Leipzig in midweek. Despite that loss at the City Ground, there is still plenty of enthusiasm over what could lie ahead for Villa as the new year approaches.

The always crucial festive fixture list could well help Emery’s men lay some solid foundations to their bid for success on a number of fronts as they prepare to host out-of-sorts Manchester City on Saturday lunchtime before turning their focus towards a Boxing Day visit to Newcastle United. Brighton and Hove Albion will be the visitors to Villa Park on the final weekend of the year before 2025 opens up with a home clash against struggling Leicester City.

With such a hectic period lying in wait, Emery will hope for some positive news on the injury front - but when could Villa’s injured players return to contention?

Leon Bailey

Speaking ahead of last week’s Champions League win against RB Leipzig, Emery said: “Leon has a small injury. He’s not available for tomorrow. We will wait for the next match on Saturday.” Bailey’s name was absent from the squad that faced Nottingham Forest on Saturday but there is now some cautious optimism the winger could return to fitness in time to be in contention for Saturday’s home clash with reigning champions Manchester City. Expected return date: Saturday 21st December.

Tyrone Mings

The England defender has made just one Premier League appearance so far this season after recovering from a cruciate ligament tear that left him on the sidelines for over a year. After starting the 3-1 win against Brentford earlier this month, Mings remained on the bench for the narrow victory at Southampton but missed Saturday’s defeat against Nottingham Forest with an illness. However, the former Ipswich Town man is expected to be available for this weekend. Expected return date: Saturday 21st December.

Jacob Ramsey

Ramsey has been out of action since the middle of last month after suffering a hamstring injury and is said to be closing in on a return. Speaking earlier this month, Emery said: “Jacob is progressing very well, but still weeks until he’s available.” It is now expected the England Under-21 international will target a return within the first two weeks of the new year. Expected return date: January 2025.