Massive Defender Boost

Good news on the Martin Laursen front!

The Aston Villa defender, who joined from AC Milan for £3million, says that he is on track to be ready for the start of pre-season training and says he will be 'stronger than ever'.

28-year-old Laursen has been undergoing rehab at a specialist centre in Bologna (just my luck, when I injured my knee I was sent to Sutton Coldfield). He has only managed 13 games so far in his Villa career but his return would be a massive boost to cash strapped Villa.

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There were reports in the press suggesting the Denmark international's career was over due to his knee injury but he has refused to give up and was treated by world renown specialist Dr Richard Steadman - the same specialist that Patrik Berger later consulted - in Colorado where he underwent major surgery.

Laursen told the official site:

'My goal is to be ready for pre-season. The plan is that I will start to run in April, and then I will work until we start back in July, then hopefully I will be able to train.'

Adding:

'I don't know if it will be normally yet because to be able to train with the lads in preseason after a year out, you don't know how long it will take to get your fitness back and be able to play Premier League again. But things are fine and I am happy with everything.'