Jack Grealish is poised to rejoin Villa first team

The talented Grealish had been forced to train with Villa's development squad as a punishment for being filmed in a Manchester nightclub hours after the 4-0 defeat at Everton and amid allegations he also partied at a Birmingham hotel the following day.

He again had no involvement in Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw at Southampton.

But after he has played for the reserves today, Garde – who has overseen two draws and two defeats since his appointment as Villa's manager – will again consider the 20-year-old for selection.

"Jack Grealish will play with the reserve team today and will probably join the group after that," said Garde, whose previous experience of English football came at Villa's next visitors, Arsenal, where he was a player in the 1990s.

"It's a very good feeling (to face Arsenal again). But my personal feelings are not very important.

"Of course, I have very good memories and a strong relationship with this English football club but I know that it is a very good side and they will come to Villa Park to win the game.

"For us it will be very tough but I expect my players to be like they were (in the 0-0 draw with Manchester) City."

Garde granted the youngster permission to stay in Merseyside after the Everton game but did not expect him to continue partying the following day.

It was the latest uncomfortable experience for the academy product, who was pictured apparently passed out on the street while on holiday in Tenerife in the summer.

He was fined for that misdemeanour, while earlier this year a tabloid newspaper published a picture of him appearing to inhale nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, from a balloon.

Last season he emerged as one of the country's most highly-rated young talents after a stunning performance in the FA Cup semi-final win over Liverpool.

But he has started just eight Premier League games this term and struggled to find top form.