Aston Villa star Lucas Digne is not under pressure to rush his return from injury as he is firmly in Steven Gerrard's plans for next season, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Gerrard was appointed as the Midlands club's head coach in November and Digne was among his first signings after making the £25million switch from Premier League rivals Everton during the January transfer window.

What's the latest news on Digne's injury?

Digne was forced off the pitch with a hamstring injury just 10 minutes into Villa's clash with West Ham United at the weekend.

The left-back's attacking threat and defensive stability were missed as Gerrard's charges went on to suffer a 2-1 defeat at the London Stadium despite Jacob Ramsey's late strike.

Gerrard reacted to the setback by suggesting Digne had sustained a small muscle injury and would be a major doubt for Villa's home clash with Champions League-chasing Arsenal on Saturday.

BirminghamLive reporter Ashley Preece also revealed Digne was due to undergo an MRI scan to determine the severity of his hamstring problem.

According to the Daily Mail, the 28-year-old is likely to be out of contention for at least three weeks.

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What has Dean Jones said about Digne?

Jones believes Villa do not need to fast-track Digne's recovery because he is a member of the squad who has already proved his worth to Gerrard.

The transfer insider feels the 43-cap France international is among the first names on the team-sheet when he is fully fit.

Jones reckons Digne will be in the forefront of Gerrard's thinking heading into the summer, regardless of when he leaves the treatment table.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "Of anyone that Villa could lose right now, Lucas Digne doesn't matter too much because he will be part of Steven Gerrard's plans for next season."

Who is likely to replace Digne in the line-up?

Ashley Young emerged as an early substitute when Digne's afternoon came to a premature end at West Ham.

Young returned to Villa Park from Italian giants Inter Milan last summer, having won multiple trophies over the course of a successful career.

The 36-year-old has been restricted to nine starts this season but is likely to be included in Gerrard's starting line-up when Arsenal head to the Midlands this weekend.

However, former top flight striker Noel Whelan has insisted Digne will be sorely missed by Villa while he is out of action.