‘A big step’: Steven Gerrard says 29-year-old Aston Villa man is getting closer to full fitness, he could face Newcastle

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Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has said that defender Lucas Digne could be fit enough to face Newcastle United next week.

Gerrard gave an update on his squad to the official club website ahead of his side’s trip to Fulham tomorrow.

He gave some positive news on young forward Cameron Archer who is ‘back in the frame’ to play.

However, the main positive news was about full-back Digne who is nearing a return to action.

The 29-year-old started each of Villa’ first seven league games this season and didn’t miss a minute of football.

However, he suffered an ankle fracture last month that ruled him out of joining up with the France squad on international duty.

It was the latest defensive injury Gerrard had to deal with after losing Matty Cash and Diego Carlos.

Cash has now returned, but Carlos – who was one of Gerrard’s key summer signings – is expected to be out for some time.

Digne could be fit to face Newcastle

Gerrard was happy to inform the media that Digne could be back out training today: “Lucas could be on the grass today for the first time, which is a big step.

“He’s come out of a boot and done some running on a machine that takes a certain amount of your weight away and now the process will be to try and build him up.

“There’s an outside chance that he could be around the Newcastle game. That’s where Lucas is.”

Veteran and club captain Ashley Young deputised for Digne in his absence.

Gerrard said after their draw with Nottingham Forest that he couldn’t have been happier with his performance.

Digne is still likely to be Gerrard’s first choice once he returns from injury.

However, Young’s form will allow him to ease the Frenchman back into action after his injury.

It could be a big boost for Villa and Digne’s World Cup hopes if he’s fit to face Newcastle next weekend.