Aston Villa centre-back Tyrone Mings has shared an uplifting update on his recovery on social media however, the Englishman could now face a tough challenge to find a way into Unai Emery’s side.
It’s been a devastating season for Tyrone Mings, who suffered an ACL injury on the opening day against Newcastle United.
After the highs that the defender experienced throughout the 2022/23 campaign, it was hard to see his 2023/24 calendar end after just 31 minutes at St James’ Park.
Mings had become the forefront of Unai Emery’s back line during the Spaniard’s first season at the club, with his defence undertaking a complete reshuffle to ease the 31-year-old’s extensive absence.
With nine games left to play in the Premier League and inclusion in the Europa Conference League, Mings has hinted that he could be edging closer to a return, sharing an uplifting post on social media.
Tyrone Mings shares recovery update on social media
Taking to Twitter yesterday, the defender shared photos and a video of him in the gym as he nears the end of his gruelling recovery following his ACL blow in August.
Mings said:
“One day it will all be a distant memory and an experience to be grateful for cannot wait for the return to Villa Park.”
Everyone associated with Aston Villa will be overjoyed to see the combative presence of the Englishman back in claret and blue, having seen him miss the entirety of the Villans’ journey this term.
It’s been incredibly difficult for Mings in all aspects of the injury, with patience being key to overcoming such a severe blow so early into the season that he had prepared heavily for.
There’s absolutely no doubt that Emery has missed having the strengths of the ‘solid’ 31-year-old, as lauded by John Percy, particularly as Villa have struggled to keep defenders fit throughout the campaign.
How difficult it may be for Tyrone Mings to rediscover his place at Aston Villa
Having gone through the hardships that he has this season, the last thing on Mings’ mind would be the battle he will inevitably face for selection next term.
There were always going to be some question marks over how the England international would retain his place in the starting lineup following the signing of Pau Torres in the summer, matters made harder due to his injury.
This campaign, Emery has seen frequent reshuffles to his back line to accommodate the absences of other players, with Torres, Ezri Konsa, Diego Carlos and of course Mings, all struggling with injury of some degree.
Recently, it seems as though the Spaniard has found his best combination at the back by pairing Konsa and Torres, who feed off each other’s strengths however, Emery also seems to favour playing the Englishman on the right.
After reviewing Villa’s performance against West Ham, it could be argued that Konsa’s only position should be in central defence, with his display shifting significantly when he was returned to his favoured role.
For Mings, it could both be a blessing and curse that Emery has relied on Konsa so heavily this term, with Torres’ position in the starting XI concrete.
It would seem that the 31-year-old’s way back into the starting XI would rely on the positioning of his international teammate, with an opening potentially there if the boss continues to see him as a right-back.
When looking at the statistics, the numbers could marginally sway in Konsa’s favour purely based on his ability to play to Emery’s demands, averaging more progressive passes (4.06) and tackles (1.51) per 90 this term than Mings did over 2022/23, via FBref.
That being said, when it comes to finding a long-term partner for Torres, Mings’ claim could be stronger in that element, with his numbers from last term compared to Konsa this season highlighting his strengths as an anchor.
Winning significantly more aerial duels (1.74 to Konsa’s 0.96) and more clearances (4.66 to Konsa’s 2.47) per 90, giving Emery a real headache regarding selection when he returns.
For now, the focus is on returning to training and then match fitness, a sight that the Villans will be delighted to see after what has been an agonisingly long road for Mings.