Aston Villa boss Dean Smith is expecting a big boost ahead of next weekend's clash with Newcastle United.

The Express & Star reports Villa expect to have Jack Grealish back in training by the end of the week with the skipper targeting a Premier League return against Newcastle.

Grealish has missed the club's last three matches, including league defeats to Liverpool and Wolves, with a calf injury sustained at Manchester City last month.

Matt Targett is also pencilled in for a return to training this week, though the full-back will be monitored under the FA's return to play protocols after being forced off at Molineux on Sunday with concussion.

Boss Dean Smith, meanwhile, remains hopeful goalkeeper Tom Heaton and defender Bjorn Engels will be back available for the visit of the Magpies a week on Monday.