Unai Emery has overseen a positive start to the new season, with Aston Villa taking six points from a possible nine in the Premier League.
That record sees Aston Villa enter the first international break of the season seventh in the league, with the only defeat coming against likely title contenders Arsenal.
Even in that 2-0 home defeat Unai Emery‘s side had plenty of chances to win the game, with Ollie Watkins struggling to find the form that saw him saw 27 goals in all competitions last season so far this campaign.
Emery has had to balance a side that lost two key players from last season with the sales of Douglas Luiz and Moussa Diaby in the summer, with seven signings made to counter that issue.
However, the Villa boss could now be about to receive what will feel like another new signing as Tyrone Mings could play his first minutes since rupturing his ACL on the opening day of last season.
- READ MORE: Tyrone Mings sends message to Aston Villa fans as he outlines plan after return to training
Tyrone Mings could feature for Aston Villa U21s against Fleetwood Town
Villa captain Mings left the pitch on a stretcher in the 5-1 defeat away at Newcastle United to kick off last season.
Given he was signed when Villa were in the Championship, it would have been a real bittersweet feeling for Mings to watch his team-mates enjoy a season in which they got to the semi-final of the Europa Conference League and finished fourth in the Premier League.
However, the long road to recovery could take an important next step on Tuesday night as Mings could feature as one of two overage players allowed for Villa’s under-21s as they face Fleetwood Town in the EFL Trophy.
That is according to journalist Alan Nixon, who claimed via his Patreon: “Tyrone Mings will have a late check before making a return to Aston Villa’s under-21 side to play Fleetwood on Tuesday.
“Centre half Mings has made strong progress a year since his cruciate ligament injury and has a chance of being selected for the cup tie.
“Villa are allowed to use two over-aged players in the match and Mings is waiting for the all clear with some optimism that he is ready.”
Mings returning to fitness will be welcome addition to Unai Emery’s Aston Villa options
Mings is a key figure at Villa and his leadership qualities will have been missed by Emery despite the club’s recent success.
His return will be very much welcomed on the pitch too, with Villa a little light on centre-back options.
Emery was keen to sign a right-sided defender this summer, with Lutsharel Geertruida of particular interest, but ended the transfer window without a new recruit at centre-back.
This saw Diego Carlos stay after it was expected he could be sold but the Brazilian missed the win over Leicester City at the weekend through injury.
Clement Lenglet spent last season on loan at Villa Park but was not signed permanently, so Mings’ long-awaited return will be a very welcome one for Emery.
