Aston Villa: Marvelous Nakamba still yet to resume training | OneFootball

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has revealed the latest information regarding the fitness of midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, who has been out since December.

What’s the latest?

According to the Villa boss, the 28-year-old still isn’t training with the first team but is scheduled to return to full training after the upcoming international break.

The 41-year-old said: “Marvelous Nakamba will be in full training for us after the international break, which is positive. He’s not too far away and he’ll do certain sessions with our Under-23 group next week.

“We’ll integrate him into the first-team set-up. That’s good news for us.”

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The Zimbabwean hasn’t played since the mid-December defeat at Liverpool, when he sustained the knee injury which has kept him out of action for three months and counting.

Villa supporters will be gutted

While the news that Nakamba is nearing a return is welcome, Villa supporters must be desperate to have the midfielder back in action as soon as possible.

After an impressive three-game winning streak, Gerrard’s side were beaten 2-1 at West Ham last Saturday, a result which highlighted the need for an alternative in midfield, and next up is another massive test as the Villans host Arsenal in today’s lunchtime kick-off.

The preferred midfield trio of John McGinn, Douglas Luiz and Jacob Ramsey has been a treat to watch at times, although the Villa faithful will be keen to have another option in case of injury or suspension to one of the favoured three.

Prior to his injury, Nakamba started all of Gerrard’s first five matches in charge, which highlighted him as one of the Englishman’s favourites, and his return to action will be very welcome.

The defensive midfielder had been averaging two tackles, one clearance and 0.8 interceptions per game prior to his convalescence, highlighting why Villa fans will surely be delighted to have him back in contention in a couple of weeks’ time.

Should Nakamba start when fit?

Still, Gerrard could certainly have done with the Zimbabwean today, especially with the Midlanders coming up against an Arsenal side whose five-game winning run was only ended by a title-chasing Liverpool in a in midweek.