Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has confirmed that Joe Cole is back in training ahead of next weekend's Premier League opener against Stoke City.

The summer signing has been struggling for fitness during pre-season due to a persistent thigh injury.

However, Lambert is confident that the 32-year-old midfielder will be available on Saturday when Villa travel to the Britannia Stadium.

"He is training now with the group, which is good," the Scot is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "I know he has missed a wee bit but he is back training with the group. Everybody seems to be pretty healthy."

Cole signed a two-year deal at Villa Park earlier this summer after being released by West Ham United.