Aston Villa man to provide Steven Gerrard with timely boost before Wolves

Lucas Digne is set to make his playing return when France take on South Africa in Lille tonight (8.15pm). The left-back has been out since straining his hamstring in the opening minutes against West Ham a little over a fortnight ago.

Digne, 28, was an unused sub as France downed Ivory Coast 2-1 in Marseille last week. AC Milan left-back Theo Hernandez played in Digne's position for Les Bleus that night.

Villa man Digne, though, is now set to feature for Didier Deschamps' men on Tuesday evening after proving his fitness in training. The news will be a welcome boost for Steven Gerrard as he'll hope to have him fit and raring to go for Villa's fixture at Wolves on Saturday, April 2 which kicks off at 3pm.

Last time out against Arsenal, Ashley Young filled in at left-back while, in reserve, 18-year-old Ben Chrisene is an option. This summer, Villa want to provide Digne with stiff competition knowing Matt Targett is likely to sign for Newcastle on a permanent deal for a fee in the region of £15million.

Villa are tracking young Scottish left-back Aaron Hickey who was looked at in January. The 19-year-old has excelled out in Bologna and has racked up 27 appearances in Serie A this season, scoring four times. Hickey's currently valued at £13.5million.

On Tuesday, those not in international duty - Emi Martinez, Calum Chambers, Young, Kortney Hause, Douglas Luiz, Morgan Sanson, Marvelous Nakamba and Danny Ings - will check back into Bodymoor Heath as preparations begin before Villa's trip to Molineux this weekend.

How have you rated Digne's start to life at Villa Park since his £25million switch from Everton? Let us know in the comments section below.