Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has explained why he didn't risk Ross Barkley prior to today's 3-0 win over Crystal Palace.
The 27-year-old has missed the last five matches and will miss a sixth knowing he's ineligible to play against parent club Chelsea on Monday (December 28).
Providing an injury update on Barkley, Smith, whose team take on Manchester United on New Year's Day, said: "He can't play against Chelsea and it wasn't worth the risk today. He's out on the training ground and he doesn't feel it.
"In the gym he's still not 100 per cent with it so we decided not to risk it. He was very, very close to being involved today but I want to make sure he's totally 100 per cent to play games."
