Source: Telegraph
Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey's groin injury short-term, says Martin O'Neill
The England striker suffered a groin injury during Aston Villa's 1-0 win against Stoke at Villa Park on Saturday. He underwent a scan this week and while it did reveal 'something', it is not believed to be serious enough to keep him on the sidelines for long, with the club's fitness staff hoping to have him back in action in time for Liverpool's visit to Birmingham in a week's time. [LNB]It will be a relief for O'Neill, for Heskey has scored three goals in his last seven matches - prolific by his normal standards. [LNB]Martin ONeill sent off in niggly Aston Villa friendlyAston Villas Martin ONeill disappointed by poor start to pre-seasonPremier League transfer guide 2009"Emile went for a scan, and it showed a bit of something but he feels much better,' O'Neill said. "I think it is shaping up to be a short-term injury, which is good news for us and him. He may be available for one of the two Christmas games and that is decent news for us." [LNB]Heskey's injury will nevertheless provoke debate about whether Villa would be wise to shun the chance to reinforce in the approaching January transfer window. [LNB]O'Neill has implied that he is perfectly happy with his squad, and will not be active next month, but this is not the first time that Heskey has picked up an injury. [LNB]Stiliyan Petrov, for one, has suggested that it might be prudent to keep an open mind next month with regards to squad improvement. [LNB]'I think if [the manager] adds something, it will be good for the team,' the Villa captain said. 'It is a strong squad but the manager knows things change very quickly in football with injuries and suspensions. We will see. [LNB]It will be interesting because it's not just us other teams will try to strengthen as well so I hope we can get even stronger.' [LNB]
