OPINION
All Aston Villa fans must be licking their lips after it was reported that defender Axel Tuanzebe was back in training.
The Birmingham Mail reported that the Villans had been handed a boost as the 21-year-old centre-back as well as midfielder Henri Lansbury were back training again after their pair had been stuck on the sidelines with injuries.
While Lansbury will also be able to help Dean Smith’s side in the games that remain, it’s the return of Tuanzebe that is more exciting.
The 21-year-old is surely a game changer when it comes to the Villans’ play-off hopes as it has been their defence more often than not that has seen them dropping vital points.
Yet with Tuanzebe available again shortly, then the Villans’ defence is about to receive a noticeable boost.
The 21-year-old wowed in the majority of his 19 outings this season, has pace, power and he is strong in the tackle so can be an asset to his side.
Tuanzebe will fit perfectly into Smith’s set-up as not only is he a solid defender but he is comfortable with the ball at his feet and will be able to play out for the back just like the manager likes.
The Villans face a battle when it comes to reaching the play-offs as they’re currently four points off sixth-placed Derby County and competition is as fierce as ever.
Smith’s side know they can’t afford any more slips up in games as making up a four point gap is already going to be difficult enough, as the situation is out of there hands.
However with Tuanzebe potentially back in action after the international break, and likely fresh from not playing, it seems the stars may be aligning for the Villans.