The Athletic's Gregg Evans has delivered a major boost for Aston Villa ahead of their Premier League clash against Fulham on Sunday afternoon.

Wesley had been out of action for more than a year after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury, and having made his return to training in recent weeks, he finally stepped out onto the pitch during the week for the club's under-23s.

However, Dean Smith and co would have been left very concerned after he saw his game cut short following a knock to his knee, and there may have been fears over another setback for the big Brazilian.

However, Evans has now moved to dismiss those concerns by insisting that the 24-year-old was only substituted as a "precaution" and will now continue his work back to full fitness.

On his official Twitter account, the journalist revealed: "Disappointing for Wesley’s afternoon to be cut short today, but he was only taken off as a precaution. The striker has been assessed at #AVFC and will continue his return back to full fitness. No major concern from today’s knock to the knee."

That update will come as a major relief to Smith ahead of his team's Premier League clash against Fulham on Sunday afternoon, and while Wesley may not have featured in the matchday squad against the Cottagers, it's a welcome boost for the run-in to the season.

The £13.5m-rated ace's long-term future at Villa Park is up in the air this summer, and Villa would be wise to make a ruthless call on the striker.

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However, for the here and now, Smith could really do with someone to lighten the burden on Ollie Watkins up front; and Wesley's return to fitness will give him a Premier League option to provide either an option off the bench or someone to offer genuine competition to the ex-Brentford marksman.

Evans' update will surely have the Villa manager very relieved.

Meanwhile, Villa should go after this Premier League star...