Aston Villa have been handed a significant midfield boost ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash with Coventry City.
João Gomes is available for domestic selection again after completing the three-match suspension triggered by his red card against Brighton.
The Brazil international missed Premier League games against Arsenal, Hull City and Nottingham Forest, with the Premier League officially listing Gomes as suspended for Matchweeks two, three and four.
Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Forest therefore completed the £38million summer signing’s ban.
Gomes can now return when Unai Emery takes his side to the Coventry Building Society Arena on Wednesday night.
João Gomes gives Unai Emery fresh Coventry option
The midfielder has already returned for Villa in Europe because his domestic suspension did not apply to Champions League fixtures.
Gomes started the 3-2 victory over Club Brugge after replacing Ross Barkley in midfield, having previously been unavailable for Villa’s domestic games.
Read Aston Villa explained why Gomes could return against Club Brugge despite his suspension, before the Brazilian was subsequently named in the confirmed Aston Villa XI in Belgium.
His availability now gives Emery another option for the Coventry tie.
Villa have had to lean heavily on Boubacar Kamara, Ross Barkley and youngster George Hemmings during Gomes’ domestic absence.
The quick turnaround from Saturday’s Forest defeat also makes rotation likely to become part of Emery’s thinking.
Aston Villa midfield competition increases
Gomes was sent off on his competitive Villa debut at Brighton after VAR recommended an on-field review for his challenge on Georginio Rutter.
The Premier League Match Centre confirmed Gomes was dismissed for serious foul play after referee Peter Bankes reviewed the incident.
He has consequently had to wait for another opportunity in domestic football.
That wait is now over.
Villa travel to Coventry on Wednesday at 8pm, with supporters able to find TV channel, live-stream and kick-off information in our complete Coventry City vs Aston Villa guide.
Gomes’ return is particularly useful for Emery with another busy run approaching.
Villa will want an immediate response after losing to Forest, and the Carabao Cup now offers Gomes the chance to resume his domestic season.
