Aston Villa defender Diego Carlos could return to action for the U21s on Friday against Sunderland, according to Ashley Preece.

The Lowdown: Back in training

Carlos has been out of action since August after rupturing his Achilles against Everton in his first game at Villa Park. Unai Emery admitted towards the end of January that the Brazilian was ‘getting better’ and believed ‘it will be a month or two’ before he is back around the squad.

The club confirmed on Tuesday that the 29-year-old has re-joined full training for the first time since his injury, and Preece has shared further good news on the centre-back.

The Latest: Preece’s claim

Preece shared an Aston Villa notebook for Birmingham Live in the last 48 hours on a number of topics, including Carlos.

He said that the defender could play against Sunderland’s under-21s at Bodymoor Heath on Friday evening as he looks to build up his fitness levels.

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The Verdict: Good news

Knowing that Carlos appears to be on course to return before the end of the season is welcome news for all involved at Villa Park. Building up his fitness with the U21s would be a smart first move and possibly allowing him to feature in Emery’s side before the end of the campaign will also be beneficial.

You’d expect that the aim for the player will be to impress Emery in the final games of the season, heading into the summer fully fit ahead of the manager’s first full campaign in charge.

Carlos was the marquee signing last summer from Sevilla, so if he impresses, Emery may see a long-term partnership between Carlos and Tyrone Mings, especially after the latter recently signed a new contract.