Villa sweat on Agbonlahor injury
Monday 22nd February 2010, 11:55AM GMT.
Villa will check on the fitness of Gabby Agbonlahor before deciding whether the striker will be ready to face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup.
The striker limped off to be replaced by John Carew after aggravating a calf problem during yesterday’s 5-2 drubbing of Burnley at Villa Park.
But Martin O’Neill remains hopeful Agbonlahor, who scored Villa’s fifth to make it 13 goals for the season, will be fit to face the Eagles in Wednesday’s replay after missing last week’s FA Cup fifth-round clash at Selhurst Park with a separate ankle injury.
The Villa boss said: “Gabby recovered from the ankle injury but he hurt his calf on Sunday in training early on but continued on. He was quite sore. I’m pleased he got the goal and it adds to his tally.
“He did great. We’ll see how he is on Monday. The rest of the lads I’m hoping that it’s just bumps and bruises.”
But James Collins is expected to be fit to face Palace, despite having stitches to a head wound in the first-half of yesterday’s game.
O’Neill reserved particular praise for Ashley Young, after the winger scored one and set up another in the rout over the Clarets.
The manager said: “I thought he was absolutely terrific for us. He wanted things to happen and was not too worried about one or two mistakes that he might have made in the game. I think he’s had a great season. I’m not saying that to stick up for him, I just think he’s done brilliantly.
“But other players around the football club for weeks have started to steal the limelight. James Milner has had a great, great season for us and it’s fantastic.
“I’m absolutely delighted with both of them and a few more besides.”
UK Sport
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