Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Albion duo doubts for United clash
Monday 8th August 2011, 2:30PM BST.
lbion are sweating on the fitness of key duo Youssouf Mulumbu and Peter Odemwingie for Sunday’s Premier League opener against Manchester United.
Mulumbu is rated at 50-50 to face the champions at the Hawthorns because of an abdominal strain, while Odemwingie is not certain to shake off an ankle problem in time.
Both men have pulled out of international duty this week and will now begin intensive treatment, as Albion look to get their two stars from last season on the field to face United.
Midfielder Paul Scharner has also withdrawn from Austria’s squad to face Slovakia this week after suffering Achilles tendon damage in yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Parma, but is expected to recover in time for the weekend.
Steven Reid and Jerome Thomas are also both on course to face the champions despite sitting out the clash with the Serie A side as a precaution, with a calf strain and a dead leg respectively.
Boss Roy Hodgson said: “Peter has a sore ankle, which came about after the Bristol City game. We were hoping it would recover in time for yesterday’s game but it didn’t.
“Now we’re hoping it won’t go beyond next week. Ankle injuries can take time. You can’t play without ankles and knees! I wouldn’t want to put a timescale on it.
“All I want to say is the medical staff are very optimistic he’ll recover, so I’ve got to be optimistic.
“There was no chance of risking him yesterday, but I’m sure he’ll be desperate to play against United and we’ll be happy to put him in the team if he’s fit.
“We’ll be monitoring it during the course of the week. The same goes with Steven and Jerome Thomas.
“I’m a little bit more optimistic about those two.”
Mulumbu, meanwhile, revealed his own injury worries on Twitter, telling followers he is “probably out” for the United game, although the Baggies are more optimistic.
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