Jedinak set for Villa return as Honduras looms

In great news for the Caltex Socceroos ahead of next month’s winner-takes-all FIFA World Cup playoff against Honduras, skipper Mile Jedinak is set to return to action for Aston Villa this weekend.

Villa boss Steve Bruce confirmed that Jedinak is now fit and is available for the club’s Championship match this weekend, the local derby against Birmingham City.

The 33-year-old has played just 45 minutes this season as he battles a persistent groin injury.

“Jedinak (is) available for the Birmingham trip,’’ Bruce said.

“Mile’s trained for the last week.

“But he hasn’t played since last May really so that would be a big call (to start) but (he is) available.”

On Wednesday, Jedinak was named in Ange Postecoglou’s preliminary 30-man squad for the intercontinental playoff against Honduras.

The squad will be trimmed to 23 next week.

Jedinak’s availability would be a huge boost for the Caltex Socceroos, especially with Mark Milligan suspended for the first leg away from home.

If Jedinak can make the Villa squad for this weekend, it would give him three matches to get under his belt before linking up with the Australian squad.

After the Birmingham clash, Villa then plays Preston North End and Sheffield Wednesday before the international break.