Aston Villa have been handed a double injury boost ahead of their blockbuster fixture with Ajax, as Jhon Duran and Diego Carlos have returned to training ahead of the tie.
Aston Villa have a crucial week ahead in both the Premier League and Europa Conference League, as Unai Emery prepares for two fixtures that could be critical to the outcome of Villa’s season.
The Spaniard will see his team go up against Ajax in the first leg of the Europa Conference League round of 16, followed by Spurs’ visit to Villa Park in a significant matchup in the race for the top four.
Villa’s injury woes have seen Emery’s squad plagued throughout the course of the season however, the manager has flexed his adaptability to keep his players on an upward trajectory.
Now, the Villans have been handed a double injury boost ahead of their critical week, with two players back in training and hopefully, closer to being in contention for the challenges ahead.
Aston Villa handed double injury boost ahead of Ajax
Emery will be delighted to have further defensive reinforcements available following last week’s return of Ezri Konsa, with Diego Carlos back in training.
Joining Carlos was Jhon Duran, who will give the manager the chance to rotate in attack ahead of the squad’s busy schedule.
Journalist Jacob Tanswell relayed the “good news” on Twitter.
“Good news for #AVFC – Diego Carlos and Jhon Duran have returned to training this week.”
Double return from injury gives Unai Emery much-needed options
Last week, Pau Torres was an unused substitute after being hauled off at half-time the fixture prior, a precautionary exclusion for Emery to juggle on top of his absence list.
With Carlos returning, the boss will have a replenishment in his options at central defence at a time of need considering the status of both the newly returning Konsa and Torres’ knock.
Prior to his injury, Carlos was showcasing just how important he is to Villa’s defence, with his return coming at a crucial point in the season with games of high importance coming thick and fast.
Similarly, Duran can hand Emery cover in attack if needed, whether it be to rotate with Watkins or to cover for other injuries in that area, with Jacob Ramsey withdrawn early against Luton Town.
Against Ajax, the manager will have his eyes on fielding his strongest XI in what could be one of the biggest games this season for Villa, considering the Eredivisie’s side’s threat in the competition.
A European cup run as well as fighting for the top four gives the Villans a significant challenge until the end of the season, with this week’s double injury boost coming at the perfect time for the schedule ahead.
