Villa trio to miss Chelsea match as ex-Barca winger returns

Aston Villa will not include Gabriel Agbonlahor, Ciaran Clark or Jores Okore in their squad to face Chelsea on Saturday.

Club captain Agbonlahor is still struggling with a calf injury picked up in Villa’s League Cup win over Birmingham last month, and has not played since.

Clark missed their last game with Stoke due to a calf injury while fellow defender Okore is yet to regain match fitness after knee surgery in the summer.

However, former Barcelona winger Adama Traore is being considered for a starting spot after undergoing intense fitness work during the international break.

Midfielder Carlos Sanchez will be assessed after returning from Colombia duty on Thursday, while Charles N’Zogbia may make his first appearance of the season.