---
title: "Danny Mills expects Wesley to struggle upon return from injury"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2020/11/09/danny-mills-wesley-aston-villa-struggles-first-xi/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ben Crump"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2020-11-09T18:00:04Z"
modified: "2020-11-09T18:00:04Z"
---

# Danny Mills expects Wesley to struggle upon return from injury

Former England defender Danny Mills feels that Aston Villa striker [Wesley](https://readastonvilla.com/2020/10/30/aston-villa-fans-are-delighted-as-wesley-is-pictured-in-training/) 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](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11741270/aston-villa-sign-wesley-moraes-from-club-brugge-for-22m) last year from Belgian side Club Brugge and he managed to net [five goals in 21 appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/wesley/leistungsdaten/spieler/381362) before a season-ending setback in January.

A [cruciate ligament injury](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wesley-moraes-injury-aston-villa-17503954) 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](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-wesley-injury-heaton-19186130).

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](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ollie-watkins/profil/spieler/324358), which included a brace against Arsenal on Sunday night.

Speaking to [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/hes-going-to-struggle-exclusive-mills-reacts-to-big-aston-villa-injury-update/) 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.”*

### **Read Aston Villa Verdict**

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…