Traore, Young, Carlos - Aston Villa injuries and return dates ahead of Manchester City clash

Latest Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive brings you a round-up of team news ahead of the team's trip to Manchester City

Jake Bayliss Sport Writer - U35s and Ashley Preece Local Democracy Reporter

12:18, 01 Feb 2023Updated 09:59, 07 Feb 2023

Bertrand Traore(Image: Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)

Unai Emery's squad is edging closer to full fitness ahead of Aston Villa's trip to Manchester City on Sunday (4.30pm kick-off).

The Villa boss was handed a double boost ahead of his side's defeat to Leicester City as both Lucas Digne and John McGinn returned to the matchday squad. Digne was named in the starting XI before being replaced by Alex Moreno, while Villa's captain remained among the substitutes.

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Several of Villa's long-term absentees are continuing to make strides in their respective recoveries. However, Emery was handed a new concern as Ashley Young was forced off with a suspected injury against the Foxes.

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BirminghamLive brings you a full round-up of Villa’s team news...

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Diego Carlos

Injury: Achilles tendon

Expected return date: There’s hope that the Brazilian, who’s been out since August, will return later this month (February). Speaking ahead of the Leicester game. Emery said Carlos was "close" to resuming training but he will not be involved at the weekend.

Ashley Young

Injury: Unknown

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Expected return date: The veteran full-back was replaced by Matty Cash around the hour mark against Leicester after twice going down injured. The Villa boss did not discuss the injury post-match but will hope it was merely a knock, with the 37-year-old having kept hold of the right-back berth ahead of Cash.

Jed Steer

Injury: Achilles tendon

Expected return date: Later this month (February). It’s been 12 months since Steer ruptured his Achilles during an FA Cup tie against Chelsea for then-loan club Luton Town. Emery confirmed last week that Villa's 2019 play-off hero is yet to return to training.

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Bertrand Traore

Injury: Knee

Expected return date: Traore injured his knee during a challenge in training while at Istanbul Basaksehir in December. He returned to Villa over the festive period for rehab and, on deadline day, the decision was made for the winger to return and play his part in Villa’s remaining 18 games. Traore is now sidelined for another week or two and will be pushing for a return against Man City (February 12) or Arsenal (February 18). in his press conference before Leicester, the Villa boss said he expected Traore to begin his return to training this week.