Aston Villa ‘have been waiting’ for the return of star defender Diego Carlos following a lengthy injury lay-off, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 29-year-old was the Midlands’ outfit’s most expensive acquisition of the summer having arrived from Sevilla in a £26 million deal, putting pen to paper on a four-year-deal worth £100,000-per-week.

What is the latest news involving Carlos?

Carlos started Villa’s first two Premier League games of the season against Bournemouth and Everton before picking up an Achilles injury in the final seconds of their victory over the Toffees.

“Aston Villa can confirm Diego Carlos has ruptured his Achilles’ tendon,” a club statement read. “The player sustained the injury during Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Everton. The player will require surgery and will then begin his rehabilitation programme.”

It was initially reported that the Brazilian would be out of action until the new year and may not even return until the latter stages of 2022/23.

However, Carlos’ surgery went well, and his subsequent recovery has followed a similar path, sparking hope that he could be pulling on a Villa shirt sooner than first believed.

What has Jones said about Carlos?

Villa have replaced Steven Gerrard, the manager who signed Carlos, with Unai Emery since the South American was sidelined through injury.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

Yet Jones has informed GiveMeSport that he believes the centre-back is still ‘so important’ to how the Villans’ campaign was meant to ‘shape up’ as he closes in on making a return to full fitness.

He said: “He'll be so excited. I mean, this is what Villa have been waiting for. It's been such bad luck; this signing was so important to how their season was to shape up.”

When could Carlos return to action?

A recent report from BirminghamLive has claimed that Carlos is now ‘targeting a return early in the New Year’ after putting up an encouraging message on social media.

“Fight? Always win? Sometimes give up? Never!” was a recent Instagram post made by the dominant 6 foot 1 defender.

Villa host Liverpool on Boxing Day in their first game back following the mid-season pause for the World Cup before travelling to Tottenham Hotspur on New Year’s day.

Emery’s charges then take on local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers just three days later, and Carlos will surely be hoping he can play some part in the derby.