Villa defender Freddie Bouma could be fit for the start of the season following his shock inclusion in the squad which set off for Spain.

The left-back, who has not played for the first-team since suffering a horror ankle dislocation a year ago, was the surprise name in Martin O’Neill’s 26-man party for the Peace Cup, who left today.

Bouma was forced to undergo a second operation in March to remove particles from the ankle, but has made good progress.

It remains to be seen whether the Holland international will be involved overseas.

But O’Neill has revealed he could be back playing next month.

The manager said: “He is back training. He is pretty happy with proceedings and it’s just taking a bit more time.

“He had that setback but seems to have recovered from that.

“I reckon he might be back some time in August, but please don’t hold me to that.”

O’Neill looks set to continue with his policy of giving Villa’s youth a chance in pre-season, after beefing up his squad with nine fledglings.

James Milner, Gabby Agbonlahor, Craig Gardner, Nathan Delfouneso and Stewart Downing are the only absentees.

Squad: Friedel, Guzan, Parish; Clark, Cuellar, Davies, Knight, Shorey, Young, Bouma, Lichaj, Lowry, Sidwell, Young, Osbourne, Petrov, Reo-Coker, Salifou, Albrighton, Bannan, Hogg, Herd, Carew, Harewood, Heskey, Weimann.