To keep Villa’s non-international fresh during the Premier League break, Steven Gerrard wants to organise a friendly game behind closed doors.
Senior players who did not earn international calls-ups were given time off this week to regroup after a trying season opener.
However, as soon as they return, attention will immediately shift to the game against Leeds, where the manager is eager to build on last week’s 1-0 victory over Southampton.
During the international break, a number of players will be visiting Bodymoor Heath, including Tyrone Mings, Philippe Coutinho, and Ollie Watkins.
Gerrard said: “We will put all we can into focusing about the next game. It will be tough but we should go there (to Leeds) with more confidence now.
“We haven’t got many about but the players have been under pressure, like myself. I want to let them breathe for a few days. We will come in and work hard in the middle of the international break.”
Villa have concerns over Lucas Digne after the left-back was forced to withdraw from the France squad with swelling on his right ankle. Reports in France claim the 29-year-old is being assessed for a possible stress fracture.
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