Aston Villa fans will be thrilled after latest Bodymoor Heath development

After a gruelling year-long absence, a key figure in Aston Villa's defensive line is on the verge of making a triumphant return to the pitch. The veteran centre-back, whose presence was sorely missed during the club's impressive 2023/24 campaign, could feature in the under-21 EFL Trophy match against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday.

The road to recovery

Tyrone Mings, the 31-year-old England international, suffered a devastating cruciate ligament injury on the opening day of the 2023/24 Premier League season against Newcastle United. This setback forced him to watch from the sidelines as his teammates, under the guidance of manager Unai Emery, defied expectations to finish fourth in the league and reach the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League.

Speaking to Villa TV, Mings shared his excitement about his impending return:

"I'm super excited to get back playing, to see what the season holds. I'm so proud of the players to finish fourth in the Premier League, and to be part of it this season will be a special moment."

A timely boost for Emery's squad

Mings' potential comeback couldn't have come at a better time for Aston Villa. The club faces a demanding schedule, with their participation in the revamped UEFA Champions League adding eight group-stage fixtures to their calendar. This involvement in multiple competitions underscores the importance of squad depth, making Mings' return an invaluable asset for Emery.

Despite the Spanish tactician's desire to sign a right-sided defender during the summer transfer window, Villa ended up without a new recruit at centre-back. However, the team has made a positive start to the new season, taking six points from a possible nine in the Premier League and currently sitting seventh in the table.

Villa taking a cautious approach

While the excitement surrounding Mings' potential return is palpable, the club is proceeding with caution. According to journalist Alan Nixon, the defender will undergo a late fitness check before a decision is made on his participation in the under-21 fixture. Mings, brimming with optimism, eagerly awaits the green light from the medical staff to feature in the match, where Villa can field two over-age players.

It's important to note that Mings will likely need time to regain match fitness and adapt to Emery's tactical setup. However, his leadership qualities and experience will be priceless to a Villa side with lofty ambitions for the season ahead.

With Champions League football on the horizon and a strong start to their domestic campaign, Villa fans will be hoping that Mings' return can provide the extra spark needed to transform a promising season into a truly unforgettable one. His presence could be pivotal as the team navigates the challenges of balancing domestic and European commitments in the months to come.