Douglas Luiz has praised Diego Carlos’ positivity as the defender continues his recovery from injury and hailed the family feeling among the club’s South American contingent.
Centre-back Carlos ruptured his Achilles’ tendon during Villa’s 2-1 victory over Everton in only the second match of the season.
He underwent surgery in mid-August and has been continuing his rehabilitation programme.
And fellow Brazilian Luiz has poured plenty of praise on his compatriot as he battles back to full fitness.
“I’m so sad for him,” the midfielder told VillaTV.
“But I think he has a good head, he has good thoughts.
“Everyday I go to the physio (room) and I speak to him; he’s happy, he wants so much to go back to training on the pitch.
“I think his recuperation is coming along quickly because he’s so positive, we try to help so much and everyone speaks to him.
“I think he’s happy.”
Luiz also spoke of the special bond among the entire Villa squad and, for him especially, between the quintet from South America.
Luiz and Carlos are joined by fellow Brazilian Philippe Coutinho along with Argentinian duo Emi Martínez and Emi Buendía.
“We have such a good relationship,” added Luiz.
“One time during the week we go in one house and everyone is together, we make a BBQ and we are one family.
“I don’t think it’s only us, it’s everyone in the team, we speak so much.
“But, in South America because of the language, we’re much together.”
The Villans host high-flying Chelsea on Sunday looking to extend a four-match unbeaten run, including four points from their last two games at Villa Park.
Luiz is in positive mood heading into the Premier League encounter, but he knows it will not be easy against a Blues side who have won their last four in all competitions.
“I think it’s a difficult game,” said Luiz.
“But we’re training so hard, we need the one good plan.
“We have such good players in the dressing room, I believe so much in Aston Villa.
“It’s because I’m here, I’m so happy and I think we can win this game.”
You can watch Douglas' full interview below...
