---
title: "Villa defender provides an update on his injury situation"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2017/05/27/villa-defender-provides-update-injury-situation/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Sheldon Muchmore"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2017-05-27T21:02:01Z"
modified: "2017-05-27T21:02:01Z"
---

# Villa defender provides an update on his injury situation

According to a report in the [Birmingham Mail](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-defender-ritchie-de-13101931), Aston Villa right-back Ritchie De Laet, has confirmed that he is on course to be fit for Villa pre-season training, after having missed nearly all of last season through a very bad injury.

The 28-year-old defender was signed by ex-Villa manager Roberto Di Matteo last summer, but he made only three starts for the club before suffering a serious knee injury that put paid to his season.

But after surgery and a long rehabilitation period, De Laet is pretty confident that he will be able to take to the training pitch on the first day of pre-season.

The former Belgian international’s return will come as a welcome boost to Villa manager Steve Bruce, who now has plenty of options at right-back. Alan Hutton had a fantastic season, James Bree played well when called upon, and Micah Richards can also play in this position.