Aston Villa are reportedly hopeful that Wesley will be able to feature in the Premier League before the current campaign is over.
The 24-year-old has been sidelined since January 2020 after suffering a cruciate knee ligament rupture, and it has proven to be a long and difficult road to a full recovery for him.
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Wesley made 22 appearances for Villa prior to his setback, scoring six goals and providing one assist, and with little in the way of quality competition and depth alongside Ollie Watkins up front, Dean Smith will no doubt be itching to have the Brazilian striker back at his disposal.
According to the Express and Star, Wesley is expected to feature for the U23s side against Leeds United on Friday night, as he continues to get playing minutes and build his match fitness.
That’s with a view of making his return at senior level in the Premier League before the current season is over, as per the report above, with eight games remaining.
Villa won’t rush Wesley at this stage of his rehabilitation as the last thing that anyone needs now is a fresh setback which will rule him out for longer.
However, it’s a promising sign that he will get more playing time this week, and it’s hoped that we can ease him back into the mix in the last few games of the season.
A positive pre-season to get his sharpness and confidence back will also be vital, and so hopefully Wesley will be back staking his claim for a starting berth next season, adding a much-needed different dynamic, threat and firepower in the final third for Villa and Smith.
