Anthony Onifade

Wed 25 October 2023 13:10, UK

Aston Villa defender Alex Moreno took to his social media account on Tuesday (24 October) to thank fans for their support during his injury spell and it looks as if he may well be in line for a swift return to action.

The left-back sustained a hamstring injury in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield back in May and hasn’t featured for Villa since then.

Moreno had returned to the matchday squad against Crystal Palace but did not travel with the squad to Stamford Bridge last month as Unai Emery claimed (via journalist John Townley, 24 September) he is not 100 per cent comfortable to compete.

It emerged that Moreno suffered a setback as he aimed to return to full fitness, like Jacob Ramsey a week later.

Before Sunday’s 4-1 win over West Ham, Emery claimed that Moreno is progressing well and will not only be set to return to training but also in the matchday squads in the near future.

And in a social media message to Aston Villa fans on his Instagram account (24 October), Moreno looked in fine fettle telling fans that he is set to return to action very soon.

He said: “Hello Villa fans, thank you for the messages I received, I am much better and I will be back soon.”

Premier League injuries expect Ben Dinnery, on his Injury Table, suggests that the Spaniard may well be in line for a return to action from 5 November.

Moreno’s return will provide a swift boost for Aston Villa and Emery as they continue their stunning upward trajectory under the Spaniard and given the impressive performances the former Real Betis left-back has shown since his move from La Liga, Villa’s rivals may have to be incredibly wary.

Moreno made 19 Premier League appearances after becoming boss Unai Emery’s first signing when he joined in a £13million move from Real Betis in January this year, establishing himself as a regular starter before his injury.

Moreno was terrific for the Villans last season, recording three assists from his 19 league appearances, topping his expected assists (xA) of 2.58, averaging 1.2 key passes, completing 46% of his dribbles and also averaging 1.2 tackles per game [SofaScore].

According to the Opta-powered stats at FBREF, over the last year, out of every full-back in the top five European leagues, Moreno is in the 96th percentile of players for progressive carries (3.87) and the top 20% of his counterparts for progressive passes received (6.16 per 90) and successful take-ons (1.24 per 90).

Moreno’s attacking qualities have been well documented, and in an Aston Villa side that alters their tactical framework to allow their full-backs to bomb forward, it has proven the perfect match.

Emery is certainly set for a major selection headache in the coming weeks, but unfortunately, that’s the price of having such quality options to choose from in just one position.

In other Aston Villa news, the ball is in Youri Tielemans’ court over his future at the club.