Source: Team_Talk
Comeback hurry worry for Laursen
The central defender has been sidelined since early January and has been sorely missed during Villa's current dismal Premier League run.
Villa boss Martin O'Neill had been hopeful of the former AC Milan player returning against Manchester United at Old Trafford on April 5.
But Laursen suffered a reaction during Villa's current training break in Dubai and concedes he pushed himself too hard to return.
He said: "I had a problem with my knee on the second day of training out in Dubai and it was a real blow after my recovery seemed to be coming along so well.
"It's been so frustrating because I am desperate to play again, but I've realised that you can't rush back from injuries like this.
"I think I possibly tried to do too much so it will be a case of taking things more slowly this time."
Laursen has not completely ruled out the possibility of facing the Red Devils and much will depend on the progress he makes with his rehabilitation during the international break.
He said: "I had earmarked the United game as a possible comeback but that will depend on how things go over the next couple of weeks."
Laursen insists Villa will pull out all the stops to try and put their push for a Champions League spot back on track after a sequence of eight games without a win in all competitions.
He said: "We have to get back to winning form and we can't afford too many slip-ups in the battle for fourth place.
"Arsenal have been playing well in the past few weeks but everyone is determined to try and bring Champions League football to the club."
Meanwhile, O'Neill is relieved keeper Brad Friedel's red card against Liverpool has been rescinded by a Football Association panel after Villa lodged an appeal.
Friedel will now not have to serve a one-match ban and will be available to play against Manchester United at Old Trafford on April 5.
O'Neill said: "I'm delighted for Brad and pleased with the decision overall. From Brad's viewpoint I don't think he went out and made a deliberate attempt to upend him (Fernando Torres)."
Prem To Finish In Top 4 2008/09 Win Outright: Aston Villa 7/2
