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da bet esporte： Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has revealed that on-loan centre-back Axel Tuanzebe is nearing a return to action following a foot operation.
What’s the word?
The Express & Star quotes Smith as saying:
“I would expect him to be back with us the first week in March, he is with Manchester United at the moment and we are in constant contact.
“We are hoping he will be ready for just after the international break.”
Tuanzebe re-joined Villa on loan from Manchester United last summer and has made 19 appearances in the Championship this season.
The 21-year-old has not featured since the middle of December, though, after being forced to undergo surgery on a foot injury.
The defender has since been with his parent club receiving treatment, but Smith has confirmed that the Englishman is expected back with Villa next month.
How important is Tuanzebe to Villa?
Very, very important. It would be fair to say that the defender’s form was hit and miss in the opening weeks of the 2018-19 campaign.
Tuanzebe switched from right-back to centre-back at the start of October, however, and put in a string of excellent performances before his injury.
There is absolutely no question that Smith’s side have missed the Man United ace, particularly when considering James Chester’s injury problems.
Villa are currently 11th in the Championship table, eight points off the playoff positions ahead of their trip to Derby County this weekend.
Tuanzebe will be able to return for the final run-in and his presence could be key to helping Villa secure a late position in the top six.