Aston Villa defender Matty Cash is ‘in contention’ to make his return from injury against Leeds United, according to BirminghamLive reporter Ashley Preece.

The 25-year-old is currently sidelined with a hamstring problem but could make his comeback in the trip to Elland Road over the weekend.

What is the latest news involving Cash?

Cash had started Villa’s opening six Premier League games of the season before he had to be substituted after just 27 minutes in the 1-1 draw against reigning champions Manchester City.

The right-back was then forced to watch on from the sidelines as the Midlands outfit picked up just their second top-flight victory of the season against Southampton last time out.

And Cash was also unable to take part in Poland’s recent Nations League fixtures against Wales and the Netherlands, announcing the news on Twitter.

"Due to injury, I will not take part in the September training camp,” wrote the 6 foot 1 ace.  “Rehabilitation is going well, but I will not have time to heal for the next [Poland] matches.

"I wish the team good luck and I will keep my fingers crossed for the guys."

What has Preece said about Cash?

Preece is optimistic over Cash’s chances of featuring against Leeds on Sunday, although admits ‘you have got to be careful’ when it comes to rushing players back from hamstring problems.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “Fingers crossed on that one, it's still being assessed. It is a hamstring, so you have got to be careful with a hamstring injury.

“Cash’s recovery rate previously on injuries has been pretty good. So, touch wood, he is in contention to play against Leeds and return back from injury.”

How big a loss would Cash be?

Cash arrived at Villa from Nottingham Forest via a £16 million deal back in 2020, and he has gone on to establish himself as a key player at the club since.

The attack-minded full-back has registered 10 goal contributions in 74 appearances across all competitions since then, playing a key role in Steven Gerrard’s charges cementing their Premier League status.

As per WhoScored, Cash has averaged 1.8 interceptions per top-flight fixture this term, more than any of his teammates, while also averaging 0.7 crosses, with only Lucas Digne and Leon Bailey bettering that tally.

Gerrard, therefore, will surely be hoping to be able to call upon Cash’s services against Leeds as Villa look to build on their recent momentum.