Arsenal have missed the services of Hector Bellerin since his injury but the full-back is reportedly making progress for an early return.
The report reveals that the Spaniard is making steady progress and is ahead of schedule to make his return at the end of September in the Premier League.
Bellerin’s absence has been well covered by young Ainsley Maitland-Niles, but the departure of Stephan Lichtsteiner has made the Spaniard’s return a priority for Unai Emery’s side.
Bellerin damaged his meniscus in the game against Chelsea in January and underwent surgery which ruled him out for the rest of last season. The 24-year-old was expected to be out of action for as long as nine months but the report says he is expected to be back in action at least three weeks before his scheduled return.
The former Barcelona youngster equalled his best tally of assists last season despite playing just 19 times in the Premier League.
Emery’s use of full-backs in his system brought the best out of Bellerin and the Arsenal boss will surely be glad to have him back early.
Maitland-Niles is expected to get at least five more games at right-back to stake his claim before Bellerin makes his much-anticipated return against Villa. The 21-year-old Englishman certainly made the most of the opportunity with some stellar performances last season.
The return of Bellerin will give Maitland-Niles the opportunity to aim for a place in his natural central midfield position but, with the likes of Granit Xhaka, Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi well settled in that area, he may well be backup to the Spaniard at right-back.
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