Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Steve Sidwell postpones operation
Saturday 30th October 2010, 10:42AM BST.
Steve Sidwell has postponed an Achilles operation to help Villa through a midfield shortage.
The former Chelsea player will partner Nigel Reo-Coker in the centre for tomorrow’s derby clash at home to Blues, as Villa look for a seventh successive win against their rivals.
Villa are short of numbers in that department with skipper Stiliyan Petrov out for up to three months with knee ligament damage and Fabian Delph still recovering from a similar setback.
In addition, Marc Albrighton is suspended following his red card against Burnley in the Carling Cup on Wednesday.
Villa boss Gerard Houllier said: “Steve’s operation has been delayed because he and Nigel will be playing on a regular basis.
“He could have said ‘OK, I’m having my operation and we will see after that’. He hasn’t complained.
“Usually when you play, sometimes injuries disappear.
“I would say that is one of them. I know the strength of my squad.
“I would have preferred some of the players who are injured or suspended to be available but we can cope.”
Meanwhile, promising centre-half Ciaran Clark has signed a contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2014.
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