Villa’s Luiz is now a major doubt to play against Wolves

Bruno Lage will get his first taste of a Midlands derby when Wolves return to action after the international break.

Lage will take his side to Villa Park to face Aston Villa and one of Dean Smith’s players is now facing a race against time to be available.

Douglas Luiz has been called up by Brazil, who play their final game of the international window on Friday morning against Uruguay.

That means that Luiz could struggle to make it back in time for a 3pm kick off on Saturday.

The situation might be better for Villa if Luiz doesn’t play, but the travel will take it out of him anyway.

For example, it is already looking like Luiz’s compatriot Fred won’t be available for Manchester United’s clash with Leicester after international duty.

How big a miss would Luiz be?

He’s started all but one of Villa’s Premier League games this season.

Villa lost without him at Watford on the opening weekend of the campaign, arguably their worst result so far.

Marvelous Nakamba would probably be called into the side to replace him, but he’s not on the Brazilian’s level.

Wolves’ midfield duo will be tasked with stopping Smith’s central trio, and Luiz’s absence could be a boost.

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