Former England defender Danny Mills feels that Aston Villa striker Wesley will struggle to get back in the starting XI when he returns to full fitness.
The 23-year-old Brazilian striker arrived at Villa Park last year from Belgian side Club Brugge and he managed to net five goals in 21 appearances before a season-ending setback in January.
A cruciate ligament injury against Burnley on New Year’s Day saw Wesley miss the remainder of the 2019/20 season and he is yet to return to full fitness.
With the new season well underway, reports have emerged claiming the striker is now edging closer to a return after almost 11 months out injured, with Villa posting a behind-the-scenes snap of the striker during a training session.
Discussing his potential return, Mills predicted that winning his place back in Dean Smith’s starting XI would now be a tough task for Wesley, with Ollie Watkins producing superb form.
The former Brentford man has scored six goals in his seven appearances for Villa so far, which included a brace against Arsenal on Sunday night.
Speaking to Football Insider about Wesley’s first team prospects, Mills said: “He is going to struggle to get into that team and that is what you hope to be the case.
“It does not matter if you are a big-money signing or a little money signing or a free transfer. Dean Smith will just want the best players in his team and he will not look at it and go, ‘Who is doing the best job?’
“Ollie Watkins is doing the best job right now so he is going to stay in the team. It is as simple as that.”
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Whilst Wesley may not get himself back into Smith’s side almost instantly, his return could be a tremendous boost for Villa.
Having such a presence on the bench, and one who is capable of making an impact as evidenced by his pre-injury goal return, could be the perfect option for Smith to relieve the burden on Watkins in case the ex-Brentford man loses form or suffers an injury of his down.
Wesley’s return could be almost as good as a mid-season signing for Villa…
