Gray was disappointed with Batty when the Leeds legend ruled himself out of the match against Middlesbrough last Saturday.
And even though the midfielder has recovered from an ankle injury, exasperated Gray dropped him from the squad.
Batty looked furious as he drove away from Leeds’ Thorp Arch training complex at lunchtime as the rest of Gray’s squad climbed aboard the coach for the trip to the Midlands.
Mark Viduka returns after a period of compassionate leave and new loan signing Stephen Caldwell could start, while Lucas Radebe is fit again after a hamstring problem.
Jermaine Pennant will make his 50th club career start if selected and Nick Barmby, if he plays, will be making his 300th appearance in English top flight soccer.
Aston Villa will be without the suspended Gavin McCann, Peter Whittingham and Mark Delaney.