Aston Villa defender James Chester is nearing his return to first-team action, featuring for the club’s Under-23s against Manchester United on Monday evening.
The Wales international missed the second-half of last season with a knee injury, but was a mainstay in Villa’s starting XI for the previous two seasons prior to that, having joined from West Midlands neighbours West Brom in 2016.
Chester started Monday night’s match for the claret and blues, who ran out easy winners with goals from Indiana Vassilev after 14 minutes, a penalty from Tyreik Wright on the half-hour and a Jacob Ramsey brace as the first half drew to a close.
Although a specific date is yet to be placed on his return to the first-team fold, Chester’s involvement for the club’s U23 side is a promising sign that he is nearing full fitness after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Villa fans are delighted that the 30-year-old is back in action, as shown by these Tweets..
What a beautiful man 🥵
— Kieran Marks 🖤 (@Kieran1874_) September 23, 2019
😍😍😍
— Bowkaaa 🦁 (@bowka13) September 23, 2019
Missed his ariel power at corners this season
— beardofgus (@Geoffwi83973001) September 23, 2019
Get him to play left back instead of Taylor
— Fernandinho’s son (@DeadlyDxuglas) September 23, 2019
Chezzie 😍
— Ross (@Villa_SouthWest) September 23, 2019
Start him in with Ming’s this Saturday
— David (@David63049155) September 23, 2019
Villa fans, how excited are you to have Chester back in action? Let us know by commenting below!
