Source: Team_Talk
Houllier hopeful on Dunne and Carew
Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier is hoping to have Richard Dunne and John Carew available for selection against Tottenham this weekend.[LNB] The new Villa boss was forced to tackle Sunday's derby date with Wolves without the key duo, with both men laid low through injury.[LNB]In the end the Villans did not need the pair, as they claimed a 2-1 win, but they remain keen to welcome them back for Saturday's trip to White Hart Lane.[LNB]Houllier is confident that Dunne, who has been nursing a knee complaint, and Carew, who has a back problem, will be in contention for the trip to the capital, with steady progress being made in their respective rehabilitations.[LNB]The Frenchman is, however, concerned that Gabriel Agbonlahor may miss the crunch clash.[LNB]The England international has shaken off the calf injury which saw him withdrawn from the recent Carling Cup victory over Blackburn, but he is now struggling with a groin issue and faces a race against time to prove his fitness.[LNB]Asked if he thought Dunne and Carew would be back in time to face Spurs, Houllier told the club's official website: "I hope so. I think Richard will start training on Tuesday, don't forget he's kept his fitness all right, and he will join on Wednesday with the rest of the lads.[LNB]"John will train Wednesday. John, I think, got injured doing some weights.[LNB]"My concern is Gabby, because again he has felt his groin. We will have to investigate a bit more.[LNB]"The problem with his calves has gone, now it's gone up his body."[LNB]Meanwhile, Houllier has revealed that Ciaran Clark is unlikely to be involved at White Hart Lane despite recovering from a dead leg.[LNB]"Ciaran trained only once before the Wolves game. That's why he was left out," added the Villa boss.[LNB]"I don't think he will be in contention because I think Richard (Dunne) will be back."
