Jack Grealish returns to Aston Villa senior squad after forced exile

Villa boss Garde brings youngster back into the first-team fold after punishment for night out

Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish (Getty Images)

Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish has been brought back in from the cold after being forced by manager Remi Garde to train with the youth team.

The 20-year-old was placed in exile as punishment following the emergence of photographs which showed him partying in a Manchester nightclub just hours after a 4-0 defeat to Everton.

Missing Premier League matches against Watford and Southampton, of which Villa picked up one point, Grealish played for the under-21s side during the victory against Derby County on Monday.

“I am pleased to have him back because he's an important player for the group,” said manager Garde. “I am pleased regarding how Jack trained over the past two weeks with the U21s. Jack is back. I am happy for that - and for the team.”

The Midlands club, bottom of the table and seven points adrift of safety, entertain second-placed Arsenal at Villa Park this weekend in a fixture which sees their new French boss face-off against the club he played for between 1996-99.

The Villains have not won in the league since the opening day while Grealish has made 12 appearances this season, scoring once.