Carlos Cuellar has revealed that he is close to a return for Aston Villa following recent knee and calf injuries.

The 30-year-old defender had surgery at the end of last season, but a calf problem has halted his recovery this term.

"I'm really close to being back. If the progress continues to go as well as it is going, I'll be back with the group [training] next week," said the Spaniard.

"I'm about to start training with the rest of the team and to fight for a place. A minor calf injury when I was doing my own pre-season style training slowed me down a bit."

Cuellar last played for the Midlands side in April against Newcastle United.