Stoke City striker Wesley Moraes has used the opportunity of the international break to head abroad and continue to work on his fitness in a different environment – and he’s been joined by his old Aston Villa teammate Diego Carlos. Carlos’ and Wesley’s time at Villa overlapped briefly after the centre half joined in the summer of 2022, prior to Wesley heading to Levante on loan.

The striker then joined the Potters on a permanent basis last summer, just as Carlos had worked his way back from a serious Achilles injury which ruled him out until May. The pair clearly struck up a positive relationship during their time together at Villa as they’ve been away during this period and working on their fitness.

Carlos, 31, shared a video of himself and Wesley, 27, being put through their paces, including working with weights, bikes and air runners but both appeared to be in positive moods despite the strenuous set of tasks put in front of them. Carlos proudly wore his Brazil top with his name and number on the back – he’s never won a senior cap but he did play in six games alongside Douglas Luiz as they claimed Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021.

“No days off,” Carlos posted on social media. “I train with my partner Wesley during our days in Dubai, surround yourself with people who inspire you to be better every day!”

Wesley has struggled at Stoke; the Potters in general are struggling, towards the bottom of the Championship and they’re far from safe from the threat of relegation. Wesley, signed during the tenure of Alex Neil and inherited by current manager Steven Schumacher, has played just 20 times this term but has failed to score. He’s featured just twice in 2024.

Stoke are two points and three places above the relegation zone with eight games left to play once the Championship resumes with a trip to Hull City on Good Friday. For Wesley, meanwhile, time is running out to make any sort of impression before his one-year contract expires at the end of the season.