Aston Villa have shared photos via their official Twitter account of midfielder Jack Grealish returning to first team training.

The academy graduate is yet to make a first team appearance this season following a kidney injury picked up in pre-season, and fans will be delighted to see the youngster back in action after what has been a difficult spell on the sidelines.

Grealish’s return comes at an excellent time for Villa, with the club in wonderful form and eyes firmly set on a place in the top six.

The former England U21 international, who switched allegiances after representing the Republic of Ireland at various youth levels, will slot straight back into the first team squad once fully recovered, in what will be a boost to manager Steve Bruce ahead of a tricky run of fixtures.

The 22-year-old showed real promise after breaking into the first team at Villa Park during the club’s Premier League era, but inconsistent performances have limited Grealish’s growth in recent years.

The player will hope to overcome his latest set-back and begin to fulfil the potential he undoubtedly possesses.

The Verdict

Grealish’s return will come as a real relief to Villa fans, with the midfielder’s injury a really nasty one.

A blow to his side during a pre-season clash caused the player issues with his kidney, something that has the potential to be extremely dangerous.

A relatively quick recovery from something that could have been much more serious, Grealish will look to kick on and break back into the starting XI at Villa Park, and hopefully help to guide Villa to a Premier League return.

Villa fans, are you excited by the return of Grealish? How good can he become? Have your say below...