Aston Villa handed Christian Benteke injury boost

Christian Benteke is in line to make his return from a long-term injury this weekend having been named in Aston Villa's squad to face Manchester City.

The 23-year-old, who has been out since rupturing his Achilles in April, played an hour for Villa's Under-21 side earlier this week as he stepped up his recovery.

Benteke could now feature against the Premier League champions this weekend, with manager Paul Lambert revealing that he will make a final decision on the striker's fitness on Friday afternoon.

Villa are currently sixth in the Premier League table.