OPINION
Aston Villa midfielder Birkir Bjarnason has hinted that he is back in first team training after undergoing a groin operation.
The senior player posted a picture captioned ‘Boots on’ on his personal Instagram account on Tuesday, suggesting that he’s back in the thick of things at Villa Park.
Villa fans shouldn’t get too excited in the short term, however, as the Express & Star claims that Saturday’s clash with Stoke City may prove too soon for a return.
He had been impressing in midfield under new manager Dean Smith up until that point, and will look to pick up where he left off when he does eventually return to first team action.
OPINION
This is excellent news for Villa supporters. Although Bjarnason’s return will likely be managed patiently by the club’s staff, having him in and around the squad again is a big boost for Smith’s side. The Iceland international had been impressing under the Villa chief before he picked up this injury, and will provide the former Brentford boss with another selection dilemma moving forward. His robust presence in the middle of the park was important for Villa last season and if given the chance the player will surely demonstrate his continued value to the team this campaign. The 30-year-old seemed to fall out of favour under Steve Bruce at the start of this term, but has an opportunity to stake a claim for further involvement under Smith once he fully recovers from surgery. Whatever happens, this is a fine first step for the Iceland star, and Villa supporters should be pleased to see it.