Aston Villa reporter Ashley Preece has said that Diego Carlos is continuing to respond well in training.

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.

The 29-year-old re-joined full training for the first time since his injury last month and could potentially return to action in April under Unai Emery.

The Latest: Preece’s claim

Preece shared an inside training story for Birmingham Live on Wednesday, making a fresh positive claim on Carlos.

He said that the Brazilian ‘has responded well to what’s being asked and has shown no issues with regards to sprinting and tackling in the small-sided games’.

Preece added that Carlos is still having ‘the odd rest day to manage his work load’ in what is his third week back on the grass.

The Verdict: Good news

It looks as if Carlos is on course to return before the end of the season in what will be a big boost for everyone involved at Villa Park.

The centre-back was the marquee signing last summer from Sevilla, so having the chance to feature under Emery for the first time before the season is out could be key ahead of the Spaniard's first full season in charge.

That would allow Carlos to report for pre-season fully fit with top-flight games already under his belt, should things go to plan, and there continues to be positive noises coming from Bodymoor Heath regarding the defender.