Fulham Coach Slavisa Jokanovic hopes to have a fully fit squad to choose from on Saturday, aside from two long-term absentees.
Fulham were without the services of Ryan Fredericks and Aboubakar Kamara against Preston North End, but Jokanovic expects to have them available when he takes his team to Villa Park.
“Lucas Piazon and Sheyi Ojo are obviously not working with the team,” he explained. “Other players are working with us, some less or more than others, but today I worked with a complete team, without the two I mentioned.”
Tom Cairney made a welcome return to action in the draw with Preston, helping the Whites fight back from two goals down after coming on at half-time.
Jokanovic was pleased with his contribution in that game, but admitted his Captain’s fitness is a delicate situation.
“It’s a little bit complicated to answer,” he said. “For a long period he’s had some kind of knee problem.
“I didn’t plan to make him play 45 minutes last weekend, but in the situation we were in, we decided to take this risk.
“It’s normal that he’s not at his best, but we believe he showed important promise, and every day he feels better. But we must be careful with him.
“Normally I’d prefer to use him always, but I must respect the competition and I must manage this situation best I can.
“I expect he can be part of the [Villa] game and I’ll try and choose what I believe is best for him and for my team.
“It’s a really important match in front of us and after this game we are going to think about him and how he can help us in the 33 matches after Villa.”