Jack Grealish could return for Aston Villa against Crystal Palace

Teenage midfielder Jack Grealish could return to Premier League action for Aston Villa this weekend.

Grealish was sidelined during pre-season by a hamstring injury but featured for the U21s against Derby County this week and scored the only goal in their 1-0 win at St George's Park.

And the 19-year-old could now come into Tim Sherwood's squad for the clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Carles Gil also returned in the Derby game but had to come off in the closing minutes with a tight groin, although Sherwood hopes it is not too serious.

Sherwood said: "The Derby match was a good workout for the boys. They need games - the lads who haven't been playing. It was a good fitness exercise first and foremost.

"I thought Jack was very good. He played to the last minute. He looked fit enough to maybe be up for selection this weekend.

"Carles came off with a tight groin which is an indication of the lack of training he has actually done. He will get fitter."

Another Villa injury victim, defender Jores Okore, is back in light training after a summer knee operation and Sherwood hopes he will not be sidelined from his first-team plans for too much longer, along with summer signing Jose Angel Crespo.

"Jores is not fit yet. But he is out there running," he added.

"Jose is still not fit. He picked up a groin problem a few minutes into the Nottingham Forest game.

"It is disappointing for him - and the rest of us. But he won't be too far away. Overall, we're quite healthy."