Very recently in the past you strayed carelessly (9)

I believe the answer is:

yesterday

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'very recently' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'past you strayed carelessly' is the wordplay.
'past you' becomes 'ye' (historical version of 'you'. I am not sure about the 'past' bit.).
'carelessly' is an anagram indicator.
'strayed' anagrammed gives 'sterday'.
'ye'+'sterday'='YESTERDAY'

'in the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for yesterday that I've seen before include "Stray-eyed (anag.)" , "Tue" , "back then" , "Eve', the most recent" , "recently crossed off the calendar?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.

Connecting...