Dean Smith has confirmed Jack Grealish has handed Aston Villa and England a massive boost by returning to individual training after missing 10 Premier League games.
The star has been cleared to step up his fitness after a positive scan this week on his shin injury.
It is a huge boost to Villa boss Smith whose side have won just twice without their skipper and talisman.
Grealish won't be available this weekend at Everton but is now scheduled to return to full training next week.
It is also a timely return for England with Villa having five League games left after this weekend ahead of the Euros.
Grealish,25, hasn't played for Villa since a goal-less draw at Brighton on February 13 but should now be fit to face Manchester United on May 9.
Grealish was originally scheduled to return in the win over Fulham on April 4.
But he pulled out of training the day before after experiencing discomfort in his shin as he was told he needed more rest.
Villa have since been treading carefully with their prized asset, who has six goals and 10 assists in the Premier League this term.
And they plan to continue to do so until next week when Grealish will step up his return.
The news is a big boost to Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, who has given him five caps.
Southgate intends to take Grealish to the Euros and the pair caught up recently in the stands at Villa 1-2 Manchester City.
Grealish brought Southgate up to speed on the latest on his shin injury which was healing well.
The pair also discussed the dazzling first half performance of Pep Guardiola's men.
The league leaders recovered from conceding in 20 seconds to lead 2-1 at half-time from goals by man of the match Phil Foden and Rodri.
The visitors dominated possession with some beautiful football moving the ball around so quickly.
It really impressed both Southgate and Grealish who discussed the benefit of players seeing various different options for passes in seconds.
Manchester City and Manchester United both like Grealish forcing Villa to value him at over £100million after he penned a new deal last year until 2025.
This week Grealish confirmed on social media he would be watching City on the TV in the Champions League against PSG Tweeting: "What a game this has the potential to be. Can't wait."
