Source: Team_Talk
Houllier hopeful over Petrov fitness
Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier is keeping his fingers crossed skipper Stiliyan Petrov will not need surgery to resolve his knee problem.[LNB] Houllier is hopeful Petrov will be back inside two months from the lateral knee ligament injury suffered against Sunderland on Saturday.[LNB]But the Frenchman is aware that the timescale may alter if Petrov has to undergo an operation.[LNB]Houllier said: "The worse case is that Stiliyan will be out for a minimum of two months.[LNB]"I think we should know by the end of the week whether he needs an operation or not.[LNB]"Let's keep our fingers crossed he doesn't require one as it could then be treated conservatively which will be the best scenario[LNB]"The worst scenario, of course, is needing the operation.[LNB]"But Stiliyan is a strong lad who has had to go through injuries before and he has always come back."[LNB]Houllier is optimistic left-back Luke Young will be able to resume training next week after being side-lined with a hamstring injury.[LNB]But striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is not yet ready to start his comeback after undergoing groin surgery three weeks ago.[LNB]Houllier said: "Luke Young is slowly gradually coming back to normal.[LNB]"Next week he should be able to train with the others.[LNB]"Regarding Gabby, it will be one or two weeks before he joins the group (for training)."
