Aston Villa hoping Tammy Abraham recovers in time for playoffs

Aston Villa’s season has had a sharp upward trajectory as of late. (Ed.note: a resurrection, if you will.)

The win against Millwall on Easter Monday was their tenth consecutive, and they even managed it without leading scorer Tammy Abraham. The 21-year-old Chelsea loanee was taken off with a shoulder injury on Saturday against Bolton Wanderers, shortly after netting his 25th goal of the season. It was initially feared that the injury would bring a premature end to his prolific season, but Villa boss Dean Smith allayed such worries, speaking after last night’s game.

According to the ex-Brentford and ex-Walsall boss, Abraham underwent a shoulder scan and the results show that it should not be a serious problem. While he’s set to miss Villa’s next game, away on Sunday, which is a make-or-break tie for faltering Leeds United’s title or automatic promotion hopes, but could return to the bench against league leaders Norwich City in the 2018-19 regular season closer.

Abraham has been massively important for Aston Villa this season, eclipsing the goal tally from his previous Championship loan spell with Bristol City, and in 300 fewer minutes. After hitting the 20-goal mark relatively early on, he set a new target with 30 goals. He’s unlikely to hit that mark now, but he should be able to help his team fight for promotion in the upcoming play-offs. Last year, Villa came as close as possible, losing to Fulham in the playoff final. They were led by Chelsea legend John Terry then, who’s now an assistant with the team. They will surely all be motivated to do one better this time.

(Meanwhile, Frank Lampard’s Derby County scored a massive win on Monday as well, to jump up to 6th. They have three games left to secure the final playoff spot.)