Aston Villa set for huge injury boost ahead of Champions League quarter-final against PSG as Ross Barkley nears comeback after three-month absence

Villa are preparing to face Brighton in midweek, and will also face Nottingham Forest this weekend before they take on Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final next week. Now, per Sussex Express, Barkley could play against Brighton in midweek after returning to training with the first-team. He has been absent since January due to knee ligament damage.

Barkley has provided depth throughout the majority of the season and has been limited to just three Premier League starts, but he has proved effective as a bench option, scoring four goals and registering two assists in 24 appearances. Ahead of their clash with PSG, Barkley's return offers Unai Emery a fresh tactical option.

Barkley joined Villa in the summer after leaving Luton but has been unfortunate with injury issues. He signed a short-term deal, which runs until 2026, but he will hope to prove his worth in the remainder of the campaign now he is back on the grass.

Villa play Everton and Forest before their huge clash with PSG. Barkley is likely to be eased back into action as Emery attempts to keep him fit following his return.