Hector Bellerin reportedly eyeing injury return against Aston Villa in September

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Hector Bellerin’s return from injury is progressing ahead of schedule and he has picked out a game to target for a return, according to a report by the Guardian.

They report that the £110,000-a-week (Spotrac) Spaniard has the home game against Aston Villa on September 22 as the one where he wants to play again.

That’s almost a month ahead of the October prognosis initially expected when he was struck down against Chelsea with a cruciate knee ligament rupture.

That’s a welcome boost for Unai Emery, who only has Carl Jenkinson in terms of specialist right backs who are ready for the start of the new season.

Bellerin has split opinion among the Arsenal fans since breaking into the side but is now among the main genuine contenders to replace Laurent Koscielny as the club’s captain.

But as a player of the right age, with the energy Emery demands and a genuine passion for the club, his place looks secure in the backline provided he can make a full recovery – because there are other priorities elsewhere.

It’s a shame that he won’t be ready for pre-season – because that’s so important for every player – but his return should be a welcome boost.