Aston Villa are being extra cautious with right-back Matty Cash as the defender works his way back from a recent hamstring injury, according to Birmingham Live reporter Ashley Preece.

With eight matches played in the Premier League, Steven Gerrard’s side hover precariously above the relegation zone and the manager will want his side back to full strength as soon as possible.

What is the latest on Cash’s recovery?

The 25-year-old limped out of the action as Villa held reigning Premier League champions Manchester City to a 1-1 draw at Villa Park last month.

It subsequently led to the defender having to withdraw from Poland’s final round of Nations League clashes with the Netherlands and Wales.

After the incident, Cash took to Twitter to share his thoughts, wishing his national teammates the best of luck for their matches.

But Villa fans were handed a much-needed boost at the end of September, sharing an image of himself back in training on social media along with the caption: “So good to be back out there.”

However, Cash was left out of Gerrard’s matchday squad on Saturday as the club were held to a 0-0 draw away to Leeds in the Premier League.

What has Preece said on Cash’s situation?

Preece understands that Villa have been deliberately cautious with Cash and his return from injury as they look to manage his fitness carefully.

The journalist also speculated that Ashley Young may need to fill in for Lucas Digne at left-back once Cash is fit, as the Frenchman also continues to recover from injury.

Preece told GIVEMESPORT: “Given Lucas Digne’s injury, perhaps Ashley Young could shift over to left-back and do a job and Cash can come back in at right-back. But Villa are being cautious with Cash’s hamstring injury.”

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How has Cash performed since joining Aston Villa?

The West Midlands outfit spent £16 million bringing Cash to the club from Nottingham Forest back in the summer of 2020.

He has since gone on to become an integral player under both Dean Smith and Gerrard, scoring or assisting 10 goals in 74 appearances.

Cash’s bright displays even caught the eye of Atletico Madrid during the January transfer window, with the La Liga giants reportedly considering a £40 million offer after losing Kieran Trippier to Newcastle.