Source: SKY_Sports
Laursen could face United
Martin Laursen remains optimistic he will be fit to face Manchester United, but the Aston Villa captain insists he will not rush his return from injury after a setback.
The defender has been sidelined since January's victory over Midlands rivals West Brom when he aggravated a long-standing knee injury which had already seen him spend time in the treatment room.
Laursen has since undergone surgery on the problem and was hopeful of playing a part in the crucial trip to United on 5th April, however, his rehabilitation was hit by a setback during Villa's recent getaway to Dubai.
The Dane's knee reacted negatively to training in the United Arab Emirates, but he is hopeful he is still on course to play a part in UEFA Champions League-chasing Villa's journey to Old Trafford.
"It's so frustrating, although the swelling has gone down," he told the Birmingham Mail.
"I've had some treatment over the past few days so I'm aiming to get back to work on the training pitch at Bodymoor Heath this week.
"I had earmarked our game against Manchester United early next month as a possible comeback date.
''But that will obviously depend on how things go over the next couple of weeks."
However, Laursen insists he has learnt his lesson after making the ahead-of-schedule return against the Baggies.
"One thing is certain, though, while I'm desperate to play again, I've realised that you simply can't rush back from injuries like this," he added.
