By Gabriel Agbonlahor

14th Sep, 2023 | 5:48am

Aston Villa expert can't believe Lucas Digne could be axed as new training pictures emerge

Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted Lucas Digne deserves to remain in the Aston Villa lineup despite Alex Moreno’s return from injury.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, hailed the 30-year-old Frenchman’s “outstanding” recent performances.

Digne has started five of Villa’s six games so far in the 2023-24 campaign, notching four assists.

The France international has impressed in the injury absence of Moreno, who displaced the former Everton man following his arrival in the January transfer window.

But as seen in images from club media (7 September), Moreno has returned to training ahead of a possible comeback in Saturday’s (16 September) clash with Crystal Palace.

The Spaniard, who cost Villa a reported £13.3million, notched three assists in 19 Premier League appearances for the club last term.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s difficult.

“Digne has been so good at the start of this season that I would keep him in.

“He’s got no reason to be dropped.

“I would tell Moreno to wait.

“But then again, he’s a signing brought to the club by Unai Emery – so maybe he’ll want to bring him straight back in.

“It’s difficult but for me, I’d keep Digne at left-back because he’s been outstanding and he deserves to stay there for now.”

In other news, Aston Villa ready to accept last-gasp midfielder offer.