Laursen eyes return at Old Trafford

09 March 2009 11:35
The centre-back has been sidelined since January's victory over Midlands rivals West Brom when he aggravated a long-standing knee injury, which later required surgery and forced the Dane to announce his international retirement.[LNB]But manager Martin O'Neill, who has seen his small squad begin to show signs of weariness in their bid to qualify for the Champions League, announced last week that Laursen could travel to Old Trafford on April 5.[LNB]The match may prove crucial in Villa's battle to secure a top-four Premier League finish and Laursen, who has previously been reluctant to set a date on his comeback, has handed his boss a welcome boost.[LNB]When asked about his rehabilitation, the 31-year-old told Onside.dk: "It is going okay. I am very satisfied. Everything is going as planned.[LNB]"I have started running and can also kick the ball. Now we will just have to see how the knee reacts, but it's going pretty well.[LNB]"It all depends on how the next fortnight feels. I do believe that I will be able to play against United, but it could be that I won't make my return until that game."[LNB]Villa will welcome the news as their squad nears full strength for the decisive closing stages of the season, with full-back Wilfred Bouma (dislocated ankle) expected to make his first-team return before the end of March.[LNB][LNB] Prem To Finish In Top 4 2008/09 Win Outright: Aston Villa Evens[LNB] 

Source: Team_Talk