Source: SKY_Sports
Bouma closes on comeback
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill believes the return to fitness of injured full-back Wilfred Bouma will feel like a new signing.[LNB] The Dutchman has been out of action since July after he sustained an horrific dislocated ankle following a collision with an opponent in the early stages of Villa's Intertoto Cup third-round victory over Odense.[LNB]However, after a lengthy rehabilitation process, Bouma played his first 90-minute competitive match in a reserve meeting with Chelsea at the start of March and he is now on the verge of his first-team return.[LNB]The left-back underwent specific training during Villa's recent sunshine getaway in Dubai, and O'Neill - whose UEFA Champions League-chasing squad are beginning to show signs of tiredness - is excited by the prospect of his recovery. [LNB]O'Neill said: "Wilfred is chomping at the bit. He is ready to go. That reserve game has helped him but he still has a bit of work to do physically.[LNB]"We worked him in one versus one, two versus two and three versus three situations in the recent training camp in Dubai and he is raring to go again.[LNB]"Wilfred has been out all season after having a fantastic 2007-08 campaign. It's now up to him to recapture that.[LNB]"It won't happen overnight because he still has some work to do. But again, when he does return, it will genuinely feel like a new signing."[LNB]
