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Aston Villa have been handed a significant boost after club-record signing Johan Manzambi returned to first-team training on Thursday following a knee injury. The Switzerland international midfielder could make his debut earlier than expected, but manager Unai Emery is still keen not to rush him back for Saturday's match against Hull City after two difficult defeats.

A major step forward for Manzambi

Manzambi trained with his Aston Villa team-mates on Thursday, giving the squad a timely lift after his summer move from Freiburg. According to the Daily Mail, the midfielder joined the group session as he continues his recovery from a knee injury sustained before his arrival. Villa agreed a deal worth up to £60 million in July to bring him in, making him the costliest signing in the club's history. His return to the training ground has raised hopes among fans that his competitive debut could arrive sooner than initially expected.

Emery calls for patience over fitness

Although Manzambi has resumed group work, Emery has called for caution and could decide not to use him when Villa travel to Hull City on Saturday. Villa went down 1-0 at home to Arsenal on August 31, and Emery explained Manzambi's recovery plan after that match. Speaking about the player's progress, Emery said: "We must be careful. He had an injury and we want his comeback to be clear and strong, with no risk. Progressively, he is working individually and is starting collectively with the group this week."

Rebuilding after a summer of upheaval

The return of the Switzerland midfielder comes at a crucial time for Villa after a summer of major change. Having won the Europa League and qualified for the Champions League last season, Villa have reshaped their squad with 11 new signings. A number of important players left Villa Park during the transfer window, including Morgan Rogers, who joined Chelsea for £117m, and Emi Martinez, who also moved to Stamford Bridge. Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne, Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa also departed, leading Emery to bring youngsters Brian Madjo and George Hemmings into the senior set-up as Villa look to restore balance.

Searching for first points of the campaign

Villa will now concentrate on stopping their poor start when they visit Hull City on Saturday, with the aim of collecting their first points of the Premier League season after successive defeats to Brighton and Arsenal. If Manzambi is not involved this weekend, Emery will look to ease him into the side after the upcoming fixtures as the squad get ready for a demanding domestic and European schedule.