Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Petrov a major doubt for cup tie
Thursday 11th February 2010, 10:57AM GMT.
Villa skipper Stiliyan Petrov is a major doubt for Sunday’s trip to Crystal Palace after joining the mounting list of casualties at the club.
Petrov was forced off in the second-half of last night’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United after damaging his ankle, as a result of Nani’s X-rated challenge in the opening period which saw the winger red carded.
Boss Martin O’Neill is optimistic the injury to the Bulgaria midfielder, who has recently been playing through an Achilles problem, is not serious but admitted this weekend’s FA Cup last-16 clash could come too soon.
The manager said: “Stiliyan is pretty sore at this minute. He thought he was going to be OK at half-time and would continue on, but he stiffened up. I also took young Fabian Delph off, although he did fine for us in the game. He was just a little bit tired.
“Stiliyan about three or four minutes later was unable to continue and tt must be really sore if he was unable to continue.
“I don’t know about Sunday yet, I am sure there must be some sort of doubt about it, but we will see.
“The doctor said to me he just thinks it is a lot of damaged soft tissue, whatever that means, but he doesn’t think there is any serious damage in that sense.”
Emile Heskey, Nigel Reo-Coker, Marlon Harewood and Marc Albrighton are already on the sidelines for Villa, while Curtis Davies, who was again on the bench last night, and Freddie Bouma are both working their way back from long-term injuries.
O’Neill could be able to recall Heskey from his groin problem for the visit to Selhurst Park, but seems unlikely to risk his Petrov for a game which in all likelihood would be a chance to be rested. Steve Sidwell would be the obvious candidate to step in.
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