Aston Villa have been handed a lifeline to solve one pressing issue ahead of the 2024/25 season.
It’s been an eventful summer for Aston Villa, who are aiming to bolster their squad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Unai Emery will be eager to continue the progression seen last season at Villa Park, as his side secured a fourth-place finish in the Premier League.
Despite Villa still being on a high after last term’s successes, the manager has some significant issues to solve.
That being said, Emery may see one of his biggest concerns eased sooner than expected as per the latest updates.
Tyrone Mings is nearing Aston Villa return after ACL injury
One positive that came from Thursday’s pre-season defeat to RB Leipzig was something Emery said in the post-match press conference.
The Spaniard provided an encouraging update on the fitness of Tyrone Mings, who has been out of action for almost a year after suffering an ACL tear on the opening day of 2023/24.
Speaking to the media after the Leipzig defeat in the United States, Emery revealed that the centre-back will return to training when the squad returns to B6.
“We are without two players [centre-backs], one is recovering and close to starting to train with us again when we are back in Birmingham, that is Tyrone Mings.”
Emery went on to give a rough estimate of when the Englishman will be available for selection in the Premier League.
“I think Tyrone Mings is going to be available after September, hopefully even available in September to play and to train normally.”
It’s perfect timing for Villa fans to learn of Mings’ progress with recovery, as one issue that emerged from the Leipzig friendly was the defence.
Unai Emery will be delighted to have Mings back
As a result of Diego Carlos’ careless red card against Leipzig, Emery was forced to deploy new signing Amadou Onana at centre-back.
The midfielder partnered Pau Torres in Carlos’ absence, something that would have left many fans feeling concerned as the Premier League season fast approaches.
With Ezri Konsa enjoying his break after reaching the Euro 2024 final and Mings still sidelined, Emery has two available centre-backs ready for the action.
Now that the ‘dominant’ Mings, as he was lauded by Steven Gerrard, is nearing a return, Villa will be incredibly relieved to learn that the 31-year-old’s experience will soon be back to assist the squad.
There aren’t many better than Mings when he is in form, something that Villa missed last term as the back line struggled when it came to covering for the Englishman’s aerial presence.
Having the defender back will be a huge boost for Emery at the perfect time, as the manager was reminded of how thin his options currently are in central defence.
