Aston Villa's Diego Carlos receives medical attention after sustaining an injury
Aston Villa centre-back Diego Carlos is ‘nearing a return’ from injury after a lengthy layoff this season, reliable journalist Ashley Preece has claimed.
The Lowdown: Carlos a big loss
The Brazilian moved to Villa Park during the summer, coming in as a high-quality addition from La Liga outfit Sevilla.
Unfortunately, Carlos made just two appearances in the Premier League before rupturing his Achilles against Everton in August, and he hasn’t played in the four-and-a-half months since then.
Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings haven’t necessarily thrived without the 29-year-old around, ranking 15tha and 12th respectively in WhoScored‘s ratings of Villa’s squad in 2022/23, with the summer arrival’s absence clearly felt.
The Latest: Return getting closer
However, in a Q&A for Birmingham Mail on Tuesday, Preece said that Carlos’ return is now edging closer, although he did seem to suggest that he would like to see a centre-back of “more quality” to arrive at Villa Park.
The journalist wrote in response to a supporter who called for a central defender to be signed in January:
“I’m told Carlos is nearing a return but you’d like more quality there.”
The Verdict: Massive boost for Villa
This is a huge boost for Villa, with Europa League winner Carlos seeming like a massive coup in the summer but barely having the opportunity to make an impact for the club so far, having been dubbed ‘amazing‘ by La Liga pundit Kevin Campbell in the past.
His experience at European level should help to take Unai Emery’s side up a few gears upon his eventual return, although patience may be required given the severity of his injury.
Whether or not it is Konsa or Mings to make way once Carlos is ready to play regularly remains to be seen, but Emery could well view him as a first-choice centre-back once he’s available.
About the Author
