Zion Suzuki takes step towards return after latest injury update away from Aston Villa

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery will be relieved after the latest injury update on Zion Suzuki.

The Japanese goalkeeper may have set alarm bells ringing at Villa Park after he did not feature in his country's 3-1 over Uruguay on Thursday.

Suzuki had picked up a rib injury with the Villans, but was still allowed to leave for international duty.

The former Parma man has been brilliant for Emery's side so far, with his distribution cause supporters to forget about Emi Martinez.

Without his contributions between the sticks, the B6 side may have found themselves in a much worse position than 14th-place in the Premier League.

It looks as though he is a step closer to a return to action after the latest developments.

What is the latest on Zion Suzuki's injury issue?

Suzuki appears to be on the mend, and he is already in contention to face Venezuela on 28 September.

A report from Nikkan Sports on Friday claims that Suzuki had participated in team training for the first time.

It states that he had been undergoing separate training away from the main group, due to a side injury.

He is understood to have recovered well after missing out on the clash with the South American side.

That update will delight Emery and Co, as it means that he should be ready for their return to domestic action.

He has played a huge part since joining the Villans, and kept Marco Bizot on the bench.

Why Aston Villa need Suzuki back as soon as possible

John McGinn described Suzuki as an "absolute machine" when he appeared on Stick to Football in August.

The Japanese ace is the last line of defence, and his imposing frame has definitely helped him settle into English football.

Suzuki has averaged 3.75 saves, 1.25 goals conceded and 1.75 high claims in the top-flight so far, according to FotMob data.

His save percentage sits at 75 per cent, the sixth best figure in the division in that metric.

He has completed 6.75 long passes per game, and has recorded a 67.8 pass accuracy.

Suzuki will likely only improve even more as the season goes on, so the more he is available to play, the better.