Source: Daily_Mail
Aston Villa defender Warnock faces race to be fit for midweek Arsenal date
Aston Villa left-back Stephen Warnock is battling to overcome a shin injury in time for Wednesday's vital Barclays Premier League clash with visiting Arsenal. [LNB]The former Blackburn player had to be substituted early in the second half of Saturday's home FA Cup fourth-round win over Brighton. [LNB]Martin O'Neill's £7million summer capture has defied the problem in recent weeks and continued to play with Wilfred Bouma still sidelined and Nicky Shorey on loan at Nottingham Forest. [LNB] Fitness test: Stephen Warnock could miss Arsenal's visit on Wednesday with a shin injury [LNB]O'Neill will want Warnock fit for the Gunners clash as Villa look to step up their bid for a Champions League spot. [LNB]He said: 'Warnock has been sore for a little while. He wanted to goagain (against Brighton) but he's played a lot of games for us. [LNB]Concerned: Villa manager Martin O'Neill [LNB][LNB]'Ideally I wouldn't have minded him not playing, but at this minuteNicky Shorey is on loan at Forest and, even if he came back, would havebeen suspended at the weekend. [LNB]'Stephen is a great lad who would play when a lot of other players wouldn't risk it as much so we'll have a look at things. [LNB]'He will try and rest up for a day or two and see how he is for Wednesday.'[LNB]O'Neill added: 'Stephen doesn't remember getting hit on the shin butour doctor seems to think he probably has at one stage or another andit's really irking him.'[LNB]The Villa boss will be hoping skipper Stiliyan Petrov, defenderRichard Dunne and striker Emile Heskey are also available after missingthe 3-2 win over the Seagulls with various injuries. [LNB] Aston Villa 3 Brighton 2: Villa the Euro contenders may have mixed feelingsSol Campbell misses the honeymoon period again - just like at Notts CountyASTON VILLA FC
