The Birmingham Mail's Ashley Preece has revealed a major injury boost for Aston Villa ahead of their Premier League game against Arsenal on Friday night.

What's the story?

Dean Smith's side slipped to an agonising late defeat against Wolves in the top-flight at the weekend, with Matty Cash one of the absentees from the match-day squad.

But now, during a Q&A for The Birmingham Mail, Preece has confirmed that the full-back should be all fine for the clash away at the Emirates later this week.

He said: "As someone has mentioned, expect Matty Cash to shake off a dead leg for Arsenal on Friday. Sanson back on the bench vs Wolves was a positive. It's just Leon Bailey now with an update expected on Thursday via Smith's presser."

Dean Smith will be delighted

Speaking last season, former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips dubbed Cash as "sensational", while adding: "Cash has come in and he has been flawless. He has taken to the club like a duck to water. You have to give credit to the player and the recruitment department. They have obviously done their homework. He has been one of their shining lights this season."

Just a couple of weeks ago against Everton, the right-back finally got his first goal for the club, netting a thunderous strike off his weaker left foot in the 3-0 victory the Toffees at Villa Park.

The fact that he's now being touted with an international call-up with Poland ahead of next year's World Cup is a real statement on just how high his stock has risen, and full credit must be given to both him and Smith.

With Villa slipping to a disappointing defeat against Wolves, bouncing back with a positive result against Arsenal will be key, and Cash's return is sure to have Smith buzzing.

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