It has been a hectic week at Aston Villa after the midweek sacking of Steven Gerrard following a heavy defeat at Fulham but the Villans must re-focus their attention for an important game against Brentford on Sunday.
Gerrard was relieved of his duties after seeing his side fall 3-0 at Craven Cottage on Thursday, a loss that left Villa hovering just above the relegation zone in the Premier League.
There is no time for the players to dwell on the Liverpool legend’s departure, however, as they need three points against the Bees on Sunday if they want to distance themselves from the bottom three.
Aaron Danks is the man in charge of the Midlands club this weekend and he will be hugely relieved about the news that emerged not long after the defeat at Fulham.
Douglas Luiz was sent off in London for a perceived headbutt on Aleksandar Mitrovic, with VAR encouraging the referee to produce a red card.
However, in a baffling turn of events, the Premier League have now reversed their decision and rescinded Luiz’s red card, meaning that he is available for selection at Villa Park on Sunday afternoon.
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The former Manchester City dynamo has been a mainstay at Villa since joining the club in 2019, making 122 appearances, in which he has contributed seven goals and eight assists.
The 24-year-old machine also recently committed his future to the club and looks set to be an important player for Villa for the significant future, no matter who arrives as the new manager.
Back in 2021, Luiz’s impressive form caught the eye of his former manager Pep Guardiola, with the Citizens boss full of praise for the young midfielder.
He said:
“He’s an important player for Aston Villa. A guy who’s clever with the ball, so physically strong. He’s a lovely, lovely guy.”
In the absence of Boubacar Kamara, who remains injured for the foreseeable future, it was vital that Villa have a defensive midfielder available for Brentford, so Danks will be delighted that Luiz’s red card was overturned.
