Villa Suffer Injury Nightmares.

The injury count seems to be ever increasing, we've heard the excuses about Villa Park having a hard pitch, but whatever the reason, the trend is very worrying. We don't have a squad that is large enough to cope, they might be 'honest' but numerous they are not!

The hope for our next match, which unfortunately is the local derby v Small Heath, is that Kevin Phillips and Aaron Hughes will be fit.

Phillips played a training match v Notts County at Bodymoor Heath this week.

Hughes only has an 'outside chance' according to DOL. Hughes has said he doesn't intend to set his injury back by rushing to declare himself fit, but will see how this week goes before having his fitness for the game assessed. Hughes said 'The hernia has been fixed now and I don't want to break it again, so it would be pointless playing on Sunday if it puts me back again and I'd be out even longer,'

Meanwhile, DOL said 'We had a game yesterday morning - a practice match - and they all came through it. But they only played for 60 minutes in a very low key practice match. So the lads are progressing, but I think it will be too early for some of them. It was nice to have them back, but they'll need a lot more.
DOL has however ruled out Lee Hendrie, Gavin McCann and Mark Delaney adding 'They're back out fit and ready to start training again. I'd expect them more for maybe the Wigan and Burnley games. I think Phillips has an outside chance, I think Aaron Hughes has an outside chance. I don't think Gav can play on Sunday. I need my players back - not just because it's Birmingham I'd need them, no matter who we had to play on Sunday. I need to get the balance of the team right.'