Aston Villa axe striker ahead of Chelsea clash but key duo could return

Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor will not be involved in their match against Chelsea on Saturday.

Agbonlahor, who is Villa’s longest-serving player, has been suspended by the club pending an internal investigation into pictures which appeared in a national newspaper this week.

However, midfielders Adama Traore and Jack Grealish could return to the Villa squad having been out since January.

Former Barcelona winger Traore suffered a broken foot, while Grealish had an ankle injury, but both have trained in the lead-up to the game and will be assessed.

Villa, who are bottom of the Premier League and look destined for relegation, sacked manager Remi Garde this week.

First-team coach Eric Black will take charge of the game against Chelsea, who are without Eden Hazard and Diego Costa and may consider resting Willian and Oscar.