Aston Villa first-team baptism awaits Seb Revan after Alex Moreno hamstring injury
Seb Revan was handed a surprise inclusion in the Aston Villa match-day squad for the final day of the season clash against Brighton at Villa Park, and it could be his first of many to come.
Revan, 19, joined fellow academy graduate Travis Patterson on the bench for the 2-1 win over the Seagulls, a there points which confirmed Villa’s spot in the Europa Conference League for next season.
The left-back was named as an understudy for France international Lucas Digne after the crushing injury blow to Alex Moreno.
The Spaniard sustained a hamstring injury in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool just under a fortnight ago, and he could be set to miss the beginning of next season after undergoing surgery.
Unai Emery confirmed that the left-back would “be out for two to three months” and likely to return in early August if all goes to plan in his recovery – however if delayed, Revan could be the next cab off the rank for Emery. [BBC Sport, 26 May]
The homegrown player, who can play on either flank in defence or in midfield, has been a standout player for the Young Lions this season, captaining the side all the way to the Premier League 2 Division 2 playoff semi-final before losing to a strong Leeds United side 2-1.
From his 22 starts for the Under-21s this season, the left-back has netted three goals and won an impressive 162 duels at an average of just over seven per game.
Revan previously experienced loan spells at both Grimsby Town and Hereford FC before taking on the leadership role at Bodymoor Heath this year, highlighting a player who has already gained a wealth of experience in a first-team environment at a young age.
With Emery expected to bolster his squad in numerous areas, but not at fullback, according to Sky Sports journalist Dan Bardell, Revan could be handed a first-team baptism in pre-season and possibly at the start of the 2023/24 campaign.
Considering that Digne is currently Emery’s only option at left-back – as well as the possibility of Ashley Young – and that the club are going to be playing two games a week in the early stages of the season due to their Europa Conference League commitments, the academy gem looks well placed for minutes.
The injury to Moreno is a huge knock-back, but it has opened a door for the Under-21 skipper to make a name for himself on the Villa Park stage.
In other Aston Villa news, one academy graduate has picked up an injury which could derail his pre-season plans.