Tyrone Mings is on the cusp of a long-awaited comeback after a 14-month injury layoff. A severe knee injury sustained on the opening day of the 2023/24 Premier League season against Newcastle United derailed his entire campaign, but Mings is resolute in his quest to recapture his top form and silence doubters.
The road to recovery
Mings' path to recovery has been arduous, involving multiple surgeries and a global rehabilitation journey working with specialists from various corners of the world. Despite the challenges, he recently marked a significant milestone by playing 45 minutes in a Premier League 2 match against Newcastle U21s. This achievement showcases his unwavering commitment to regaining full fitness and sharpness.
During his appearance on Ben Foster's Fozcast podcast, Mings expressed that he avoids placing excessive pressure on himself, drawing confidence from his performance levels prior to the injury. His belief in his own abilities remains steadfast, and he is resolutely determined to silence his doubters.
"You hear people say, ‘Will he still be the same player?’. That is not for them to worry about. That is for me to worry about. I am going to have to do that work. I am going to have to get fit and get match sharp again."
He acknowledged that this injury has provided him with a different perspective compared to his previous ACL injury while at Bournemouth, describing the process as more challenging but also recognising that he is now at a different stage of his career with more accomplishments to his name.
Embracing competition and squad growth
As Mings gears up for his competitive return, he faces fierce competition for a starting spot in Aston Villa's line-up. During his absence, Pau Torres has capably filled the left centre-back role, while Ezri Konsa remains a vital presence in the defence. However, Mings embraces the competition and believes it contributes to the overall growth of the squad. He expressed his admiration for Torres, stating,
"I'm a big fan of Pau Torres. There's no animosity about whether I'll get in front of him and stuff - that is what a good squad is about."
Mings also commended manager Unai Emery's tactical expertise and ability to effectively manage games, highlighting Emery's composure and strategic adjustments as crucial factors in Villa's recent success.
With Aston Villa competing in multiple competitions this season, including the prestigious Champions League, Mings' return could provide valuable depth to Emery's squad. Opportunities may arise in domestic cup competitions and potentially even in European matches if Villa secures early qualification.
Fans who have witnessed Mings' significant contributions to Villa's rise under Emery are eagerly anticipating his return. As he continues to build his fitness and match readiness, Mings remains focused on making a strong impact upon his reintegration into top-flight football.