Villa pair Nigel Reo-Coker and Carlos Cuellar will not travel to Russia for Thursday’s return leg with CSKA Moscow – even if they are fit.

That was the news delivered by Martin O’Neill as the Villa chief admitted he is unwilling to risk either of his stars, who are both closing in on full fitness following hamstring injuries, for the crunch UEFA Cup last-32 tie.

Cuellar is the closer of the two to a return, but won’t make the trip even if he is in the squad for the Chelsea game.

That is because O’Neill, who has already identified a top-four finish in the Premier League as his priority, believes a tiring trip to Moscow combined with the Luzhniki Stadium’s plastic pitch will do neither any favours.

He said: “Cuellar did a little bit yesterday, he is feeling much better. Reo-Coker’s not that far behind. He agitated his injury again in a training session.

“But Cuellar has joined in with us. We’ll have a look at him and see how he is. But, regardless of whether he plays against Chelsea, he or Nigel wouldn’t go to Moscow.

“They will spend the week here getting ready, because I wouldn’t subject them to the travelling and training and playing on the plastic pitch with their injuries.

“Carlos is desperate to play, but regardless they wouldn’t travel next week.”

O’Neill confirmed Freddie Bouma will feature for the reserves on their next outing, which comes against Chelsea on March 2.