Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has revealed that it's time for Carlos Sanchez to prove that he is "ready" for life in the Premier League.

Sanchez, who signed from Elche in the summer, is yet to make his mark due to Ashley Westwood standing in his way.

However, due to Fabian Delph's projected two-month absence with a shoulder problem, Sanchez is likely to come into the fold.

"Carlos will come into the reckoning," Lambert told the club's official website. "He has done really well in training but the form of Ashley has been really high. Now is the time to look at Carlos and say 'let's see if you're ready for it'."

Villa have lost their last four league matches to slip to 12th in the table.