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Rudy Gestede has returned to Aston Villa to assess a knee injury picked up on international duty.

The striker was forced off for Benin on Friday as his nation beat Burkina Faso 2-1 in the first part of a World Cup double-header and will not take part in the second leg tomorrow.

The £6million summer signing has bagged four goals so far this season and was hoping to make an impression under new boss Remi Garde.

But, as Villa’s medical team check out the 6ft 4ins hitman, he could be ordered to rest ahead of Saturday’s trip to Everton, leaving Villa with fewer options up front.

In the 0-0 draw with Manchester City last time out the ex-Blackburn ace came off the bench as a late substitute.

Jordan Ayew was the preferred option up front as Gabby Agbonlahor sat out through injury and Libor Kozak continued his struggle to make the matchday 18.

With left-back Jordan Amavi ruled out for the season following his sickening knee injury on the same day last week, Villa will be hoping Gestede can make a quick recovery from his knock.

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