Aston Villa could get close look at summer target Ruben Vargas as winger returns from injury

Aston Villa could get an opportunity to assess summer transfer target Ruben Vargas at close quarters as the Sevilla winger steps up his recovery from a knee problem.

Unai Emery’s side will face Sevilla in the XV Antonio Puerta Trophy during the international break, with Vargas now beginning to work his way back into team training.

The 27-year-old Switzerland international was linked with Villa during the summer transfer window, when Sevilla were reportedly reluctant to sell him.

That position could change ahead of January, making the timing of Villa’s friendly particularly interesting.

Vargas completed part of Sevilla’s training session with his teammates on Tuesday while also continuing individual rehabilitation work.

The winger has been recovering from a problem affecting his right knee and is being gradually reintegrated into group sessions under Sevilla’s medical programme.

Crucially, there is no confirmation that Vargas has been medically cleared to play against Aston Villa.

The reports only establish that he has resumed some work with the squad alongside his individual programme. Neither source confirms that he has returned to full training or is available for selection.

Sevilla are preparing for the Villa friendly, meaning it provides a possible target during his recovery, but any involvement remains uncertain.

Villa’s previous interest adds another dimension to Vargas’ recovery.

Sevilla were resistant to losing him during the summer, but recent reports suggest they could be considerably more receptive to a transfer in January.

The Spanish club are reportedly looking for around €18-20m (£15.6-17.3m) for the winger.

Bournemouth previously had two offers rejected, while several other Premier League clubs have also been linked with the Switzerland international.

Should Vargas be fit enough to feature against Villa, Emery and his staff would have an opportunity to assess him directly after his injury layoff.

There is no guarantee that Villa will renew their interest in January, nor does the information available indicate that they are currently negotiating for him.

However, with Vargas returning towards fitness and Sevilla reportedly becoming more open to a winter sale, his situation remains one worth watching.

The immediate question is whether Vargas progresses sufficiently in training to be included against Aston Villa.

His partial return to group work represents progress, but it should not yet be treated as confirmation of match fitness. Sevilla’s medical staff are reportedly reintegrating him gradually following several weeks on the sidelines.

If he does feature, Villa would have the useful opportunity to assess both his recovery and current condition first-hand.

Beyond the friendly, January is the more significant date. Sevilla’s reported willingness to sell could reopen a transfer opportunity that was considerably more difficult during the summer, although there is currently no confirmation that Villa are preparing a new approach.