Unai Emery urged to avoid big Aston Villa gamble as top star nears return to action

Alan Hutton has urged Aston Villa not to risk centre-back Diego Carlos in January for fear of the Brazilian suffering a setback.

The 29-year-old moved to Villa Park in a £26million deal from Spanish giants Sevilla over the summer but could not have had a worse start to his Villa career.

Carlos suffered an ACL injury in only his second Premier League appearance back in August.

He has since had to watch on as Steven Gerrard was axed and Unai Emery brought in, with Villa currently sitting five points above the relegation places in 12th.

However, last week, Birmingham Live reported that the defender has joined his teammates in Dubai for their mid-season training camp and could be back as early as the new year.

But when asked if Villa should risk bringing Carlos back in January, Hutton told Football Insider: “I do not think so.

“I do not think they can. It is such a serious injury that they need to really be careful with it.

Konsa, Mings backed to cope

“I have seen a lot of players have it over the years and the best thing is to be careful. You need to make sure the strength is there in the leg so you can compete at this high level.

“[Ezri] Konsa and [Tyrone] Mings are doing fine together at this moment in time. They are doing well so I do not see any real reason to take such a gamble with one of the record signings when they do not need to.”

Villa are back in action on Boxing Day when they welcome Liverpool to Villa Park. They then head to Tottenham on New Year’s Day to complete their festive fixtures.

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