Source: SKY_Sports
December return for Downing
Stewart Downing has set a target of early December for his return from a foot injury.
The winger picked up the problem in action for Middlesbrough towards the end of last season and had to undergo an operation.
It was immediately clear that he would be ruled out for some time but Aston Villa still decided to bring him in on a £12million deal.
He will not be able to make his debut until later in the year, although he is confident he will be back before Christmas.
"The injury is a bit of a strange one. It's not a break but there's a fracture there," said Downing.
"I've had to have it pinned and that should come out in September. Then it's a case of building it up.
"The target is early December. If I'm ready before then that's a bonus. If it's after it just needs time to heal.
"I'm sure I will play before Christmas. The manager wants me 100 per cent right and is prepared to give me extra time to do it."
