Aston Villa boosted as two key players 'moving closer' to returns from injury

Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara are both expected to play a part for the Villans before the October international break, with the former potentially available for as soon as the middle of this month.

The club made a promising social media post last Friday, sharing images of Mings back in full training among his first-team colleagues. It’s been a mightily long road back for the central defender after he suffered severe anterior cruciate ligament in his knee against Newcastle United last August, but his return can be considered imminent.

Mings could even have some involvement in Villa’s Bristol Street Motors Trophy clash away at Fleetwood Town this midweek. Albeit a match with the under-21 squad rather than the senior team, any minutes will greatly benefit the 18-time former England international as he seeks to build match sharpness ahead of a full return.

Kamara is another showing tremendous progress. The defensive midfielder, who suffered a similar knee injury in February, is understood to have worked his way worth the rehabilitation programme excellently. The 24-year-old could even make a full return to training in October, with match appearances then a possibility in the autumn.

Villa will feel as if they’ve gained two new signings when Mings and Kamara are back to their best. The added squad depth will be a huge blessing for Unai Emery as he attempts to navigate an even busier fixture schedule than last year, with UEFA Champions League matches building up under the new format.

The same can be said for Emiliano Buendía, though the Argentine has already been back among the first-team fold for several months. Formerly of Norwich City, the 27-year-old attacking midfielder will have to battle his way into Emery’s plans with Morgan Rogers, Jacob John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey currently locking down spots.