Huge boost for Aston Villa as injury update emerges for long-term absentee

Aston Villa have announced central defender Tyrone Mings has finally returned to initial training, five months on from rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.

The 30-year-old underwent knee surgery in August and has since been going through extensive rehabilitation, including a trip to the United States of America to see specialists. Although still expected to be missing for a while longer, Mings getting back to work at Bodymoor Heath can only be a good sign.

Villa posted a picture on Thursday afternoon, showing the 18-time England international smiling and looking focused in the club's gymnasium. The caption for the image is simply, "You're welcome".

The only way is up for Mings from here and, although there's no scheduled return date publicised, it's hoped he can be ready as soon as possible.