Tottenham blow as Aston Villa handed injury boost with injured star returning in time for Premier League clash

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has been handed a boost ahead of their crucial Premier League game against Tottenham this weekend with defender Diego Carlos returning to training for the first time in a month. 

He has not played for the club since their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Villa Park on February 11, having picked up a hamstring injury in training last month but has now returned to training at Bodymoor Heath ahead of this week. 

Villa also had Ezri Konsa in training after he made his return against Luton Town over the weekend, his return has lifted the defensive burden Emery was managing going into important games. 

Unai Emery's side will first take on Ajax in the round of 16 in their Europa Conference League before turning attention to their league game this weekend. Tottenham who are not playing in Europe have the luxury of a week's training before heading to the midlands.

The Lilywhites had to come from a goal down to win 3-1 against Crystal Palace to cut the point between them and this weekend's opponents to two before Villa's win restored their five-point advantage at the top. 

Spurs are hoping to return to Europe's glamourous competition next season after failing to qualify for the current campaign. They have kept pace with Villa who are punching above their weight so far but this weekend's meeting could be season-defining. 

Spurs themselves will be hoping to have Pedro Porro and striker Richarlsion back for the game after they missed the win against Palace over the weekend due to injury.