Source: Team_Talk
Double trouble in defence for Villa
Aston Villa have suffered a double blow with defenders Carlos Cuellar and James Collins ruled out of the Premier League opener versus West Ham.[LNB] Cuellar has failed to recover from a hamstring injury while Collins is still side-lined with a calf problem.[LNB]Cuellar and Collins were both regular members of the side last season.[LNB]But caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald is hoping striker Gabriel Agbonlahor (hamstring) and centre-back Curtis Davies (knee) will be available.[LNB]MacDonald said: "Carlos is still not outside running because of the hamstring injury he picked up.[LNB]"He's getting there but he won't be ready for Saturday.[LNB]"James will return to training later this week. He won't be available for the weekend though.[LNB]"We have injuries but you have to deal with them. Let's see what we can do with what we've got."[LNB]MacDonald added: "Curtis and Gabby are both joining in. How far down the line they are, I'll have to assess over the next couple of days.[LNB]"You always get little niggles - with the hard grind of pre-season - but I am confident whatever side we put out will compete with West Ham on Saturday."
