‘Everybody will be pleased’: Dean Smith shares exciting update from Aston Villa camp

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Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has confirmed that Wesley Moraes is on the brink of a return to first-team action following his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The 24-year-old Villans striker has been out for almost 16 months after suffering the injury in the 2-1 win against Burnley on New Year’s Day last year.

Wesley, who joined Villa for £22million in the summer of 2019, scored his side’s opening goal in the game before picking up the injury in a tackle from Ben Mee.

The Brazilian was initially expected to be out of action for nine months, but his rehabilitation has required a lengthier amount of time.

Wesley has been building up match fitness with appearances for the Under-23s and, on Friday, Smith said his player could potentially feature against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

“We’re going to have a look at Wesley today and tomorrow to see if he can make the squad,” the Villa boss said at his press conference, as quoted by the Birmingham Mail.

“It shows the strength of character for him to come back from it, everybody will be pleased to see him back.

“It’s been really tough. It was a serious an injury I think I’ve seen on a player.

“It’s been tough during a pandemic because we haven’t been managed to arrange the amount of games we normally try and get when players recover from an injury.

“He’s certainly a willing lad and everyone will be pleased to have him back.”

Wesley has made 22 competitive first-team appearances for Villa, scoring six goals and registering one assist.