Aston Villa manager Remi Garde has admitted that he feels sorry for Jack Grealish as he battles with an ankle injury.

In one of Garde's first acts as manager, the 20-year-old was dropped and forced to train with the Under-21s in November after he went out clubbing in Manchester following Villa's 4-0 loss at Everton.

Grealish since returned to full training with the first team but has been thwarted in his attempts to assist the Premier League basement side's fight against relegation.

"Unfortunately Jack is struggling with his ankle so this is not the best time for him to show me his desire to go through the first team again and help the team to fight," Garde told reporters on Thursday.

"But as soon as he has resolved his fitness problems and injury I problems I would like to see Jack, of course, and I'm sorry for him about that injury."

Villa, who are eight points adrift at the foot of the table, travel to Midlands rivals Stoke City when Premier League action resumes on Saturday.