Aston Villa's Emi Buendia has taken a huge step in coming back to first team football.

The creative midfielder has been absent for the entire season with an ACL injury.

However, Villa may be able to welcome him back for pre-season, as he is back in group training.

Buendia took part in sessions at Bodymoor Heath with several other Villa players.

After training, Buendia posted a photo of himself at the club's facilities on X.

He also added the caption: "It's been a long wait, and at times very hard, but happy to be able to be with my colleagues again 272 days later."