Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has discussed Jack Grealish’s fitness and the controversy surrounding Fantasy Premier League and leaked team news.
Grealish was ruled out of last weekend’s defeat to Leicester with the news of his absence having been leaked from an unusual source, his removal from several Fantasy Premier League teams managed by players and staff from the club noted by the online community.
With the deadline for FPL transfers coming on Friday and Villa’s game not until Sunday, the news was leaked early and has led to Villa reportedly banning their players and staff from playing the popular game.
Smith has now discussed the leak and says he has reminded his players and staff of their ‘responsibilities’, insisting those associated with Villa won’t be making the ‘same mistake again’.
“It must be a slow news week if this is the lead manager’s question,” said Smith at his pre-match press conference.
“I don’t play it, I live in the real world not the fantasy world. Yes I was made aware of it.
“Am I aware that it could be tracked? No, I don’t think a lot of the other player players and staff were as well but I’ve reminded everybody at the football club of their responsibilities of being a member of staff at an elite football club.
“I’m sure they won’t be certainly making that same mistake again after knowing what they know now.”
Smith also provided an update on the fitness of Grealish and confirmed the club captain will once again be absent for this weekend’s clash with Leeds, though says the England international is ‘getting better’ and will be assessed before Wednesday’s trip to Sheffield United.
“Jack Grealish isn’t ready for tomorrow but he is getting better,” Smith continued.
”The doctor, physio and Jack himself don’t know how long it will be. He could be back for the next game but he’s judging it. He’s been told to wait until he’s pain free and he’s getting there.”
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