Why Danny Ings is absent for Aston Villa vs Wolves

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has provided an explanation for the absence of Danny Ings from the club’s squad to face Wolverhampton Wanderers this afternoon.

The Claret and Blue, of course, are currently locked in action at Molineux, in their return to action on the back of the international break.

Boss Gerrard, in turn, unsurprisingly opted for a strong starting XI, featuring the talents of the likes of Leon Bailey, Ollie Watkins and Philippe Coutinho:

Starting XI. 💪 #WOLAVL pic.twitter.com/oxU0YdSNoG

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 2, 2022

As alluded to above, though, one key Villans star to have missed out on not only a spot in the club’s latest starting line-up, but matchday squad altogether, comes in the form of Danny Ings.

Speaking in a pre-match interview at Molineux, Steven Gerrard was therefore inevitably asked for an insight into his hitman’s whereabouts.

And the tactician went on to reveal that Ings’ surprise omission on Saturday came owing to his partner giving birth late last night, with it having not ‘made sense’ to ask the former Southampton man to be part of the matchday setup as a result:

“Danny Ings has become a dad overnight, and he’s had very little sleep. He had to go down to London, and we want to send our congratulations to Danny and his partner. It didn’t make sense to ask him to come and be a part of it today.”

🗣 “Danny Ings has become a dad overnight.”

Steven Gerrard explains why Danny Ings is missing from Aston Villa’s squad today pic.twitter.com/EGOusB1K11

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) April 2, 2022

Jonny on target

Turning attentions towards the action in the Midlands itself, Aston Villa currently find themselves in search of an equaliser at Molineux.

This comes after Jonny put hosts Wolves in front from close range with just seven minutes on the clock, to make it two goals in two games for the Spaniard.

First Wolves attack, instigated by Silva and Moutinho who win the ball on halfway and Wolves are in…Podence shot blocked, Silva shot blocked, rebound out to goal machine JONNY CASTRO OTTO for an early lead Molineux goes mad

— Tim Spiers (@TimSpiers) April 2, 2022

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