Arne Slot says Joe Gomez might need surgery on his hamstring with the Liverpool defender expected to be sidelined until the latter stages of the season. The 27-year-old centre-back limped out of the FA Cup tie against Plymouth Argyle earlier this month – just 11 minutes into his comeback after six weeks out.

Another player who is likely to miss out is Cody Gakpo. The Dutch attacker missed the previous game, and Slot doesn’t expect the 25-year-old forward to travel to Villa Park either. Gakpo has been in terrific form this season, and it looks like it won’t be long before he makes a comeback to the side.