Having last played in May, there could be a welcome sight on the Aston Villa bench this weekend as Alex Moreno closes in on a return from injury.
The 30-year-old was an instant hit following his January arrival from Real Betis, as he quickly established himself as an influential and impactful presence on our left flank.
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In 19 appearances last season, he not only improved significantly defensively, but he was a constant threat with his attacking ability as he also registered three assists.
The Spaniard looked to be a perfect fit for Unai Emery’s system and style of play, providing energy and technical quality to get into advanced positions to add width and an attacking outlet.
However, after sustaining a hamstring injury in our penultimate game of the campaign, which ultimately required surgery, it has been a long comeback for Moreno who has spent the last six months working hard to return.
A setback in September pushed his return date back, and while it’s hoped that he doesn’t suffer any similar issues this time round, he could be in line to be named in the matchday squad this weekend.
“Álex Moreno is progressively getting better and he’s training with the team, not completely, but progressively getting better and he is very close to being available to play,” Emery told the media, as per VillaTV. “Maybe to be with us on Sunday in the squad, he could be.”
If Sunday comes too soon for him, our clash with AZ Alkmaar in the Europa Conference League on Thursday night will be another option, while Villa host Fulham in our last game before the international break. Having waited this long, there doesn’t necessarily seem to be a rush to get Moreno back involved now as we can’t afford another setback, but it would be such a boost to have him available again this week.
Lucas Digne has done an excellent job in his absence, as not only has the Frenchman produced consistently good form, but he’s been reliable too, having featured in all but one of our 16 games so far this season across all competitions.
However, with a lack of depth and alternative options to play that position – with John McGinn even being forced to play 45 minutes there in Europe – it’s imperative that we get Moreno back now to lessen that workload and have two top players available to Emery to provide competition.
Time will tell if Digne is able to fend off his teammate and keep his place in the side, as there is certainly an argument in favour of him doing so given how impressive he has largely been so far this season.
That said, Moreno adds something very important to our performances, and it will be great to see him back on the pitch in our upcoming games after such a lengthy stint out.
Further, there will potentially be even more good news from Emery after the international break, with Jacob Ramsey hopefully set to return before the end of November to add another fundamental option for the Villa boss.
“Jacob Ramsey is working individually and getting better, but not for the next two weeks before the (international) break,” he added. “I think he’s not going to be available.”