Villa team news vs Crystal Palace: Emery provides update on key trio

“Everybody came back from their national teams really good, the players were working here as well good,” he told the media, as per the club’s website. “The players who are injured are progressively getting better.

“Álex Moreno is training with the group and Jacob Ramsey is close to being with us.

“Diego Carlos and Tim are out.

“Bertrand Traore as well is close.”

Having Moreno back training with the group is a huge boost given how influential the Spaniard was for us last season following his January arrival, and he will be an important option moving forward with his ability to be so effective in our preferred system and style of play.

Similarly with Ramsey, it’s a significant boost to hear that he is closing in on a return to full training following the foot injury he sustained over the summer. His quality in midfield coupled with the goal threat that he provides will add a vital dynamic to our play again, and he’ll no doubt be a pivotal part of Emery’s plans moving forward.

In contrast, it’s disappointing that Diego Carlos misses out this weekend along with Tim Iroegbunam, and so it’s hoped that the pair, along with Bertrand Traore, recover over the coming days to perhaps be available for our European commitments in midweek.

It’s crucial that we have our full squad depth available to Emery moving forward, as it will undoubtedly give us the best possible chance of being competitive on multiple fronts moving forward.