Aston Villa midfielder Boubacar Kamara set to return from injury – Unai Emery

According to Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, Boubacar Kamara is expected to return to first-team training in “a few weeks”.

Kamara, who has been out injured since February due to a cruciate ligament tear, has made good progress in overcoming his injury and is performing above expectations. He was originally scheduled to return in October.

The 24-year-old returned to the pitch a few weeks ago to complete individual running exercises.

The central midfielder played a key role in Emery's plans at Villa Park and was involved in Didier Deschamps' France national team before his cruciate ligament tear.

“Kamara is making great progress,” said Emery ahead of Villa’s first home game against Arsenal on Saturday.

“I think it's been six months since his injury and surgery and in about a couple of weeks he'll be back training with us.”

Elsewhere, Emery has confirmed that other long-term injured player, Tyrone Mings, is also close to returning to the first team after being unavailable since the first day of last season with a cruciate ligament injury.

“He's doing something with the team,” Emery said. “He's working with the team, but he feels very good.”

Villa resume the new Premier League season on Saturday against Emery's former club Arsenal after beating West Ham United on the opening weekend.

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The story of Boubacar Kamara – from Marseille factory to Aston Villa jewel

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