Charles N'Zogbia was back on the training field as Villa geared up for the Barclays Premier League home game against Stoke City.

The Frenchman rejoined his team-mates after six weeks on the sidelines with a knee injury.

N'Zogbia has been out of action since Villa's 1-0 defeat against Fulham in October.

Club photographer Neville Williams was on hand to photograph the players in training ahead of the Potters encounter.

Check out the image gallery of the squad on the training field.

Fitness coach Adrian Lamb was busy putting the squad through their paces as part of their pre-match preparations.

N'Zogbia's return is a timely boost for manager Paul Lambert with games coming thick and fast over the next few weeks.

But injured defensive trio Ron Vlaar, Enda Stevens and Joe Bennett will have to wait a little longer before they return.

Derrick Williams trained with the senior side once again following his debut at Queens Park Rangers last week, as did fellow U21 defender Janoi Donacien.

Check out the image gallery of the squad on the training field.