Agbonlahor could face Clarets

18 February 2010 10:32
Agbonlahor, who has netted 12 goals this season, missed the 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace in the FA Cup with a leg injury suffered in the previous game with Manchester United in a challenge from Wayne Rooney.[LNB]But he has returned to training and Martin O'Neill is keeping his fingers crossed there will be no reaction as Villa gear up for a crucial week which also includes the replay with Palace and the Carling Cup final against Manchester United.[LNB]O'Neill said: "Gabby has trained and hopefully there will be no reaction.[LNB]"He was very sore. It is a soft tissue injury. I think Wayne Rooney went through him with about 10 minutes left of the United game.[LNB]"Gabby has been excellent for us all season and to have him back, naturally, would be a boost."[LNB]O'Neill is also hoping Emile Heskey (groin), Stiliyan Petrov (ankle and Achilles) and Stephen Warnock (shin) will have recovered sufficiently to face the Clarets.[LNB]The trio all featured against Palace but have been less than 100% fit in recent weeks.[LNB]O'Neill gave his players a few days off this week to recharge their batteries after a recent demanding programme and hopes they will be refreshed for the challenges ahead.[LNB]He said: "There are people here like James Milner and Gabby who don't want to miss games even though they were playing until the end of June with the England Under-21s last summer.[LNB]"But it is important when there is the opportunity to give them the odd few days to rest up."[LNB][LNB] Aston Villa v Burnley. Click here to bet.  

Source: Team_Talk