Setback for Villa as Laursen pays the price for trying to rush back from injury

25 March 2009 14:37
Aston Villa skipper Martin Laursen admits he is paying the price for trying to rush back into action too soon after his knee problem.[LNB]Knee-sy does it: Martin Laursen has tried to return from injury too quickly for Villa[LNB]The central defender has been sidelined since early January and has been sorelymissed during Villa's current dismal run.[LNB] Sportsmail's verdict on the saviours and stinkers from the transfer windowASTON VILLA FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB[LNB]Villa boss Martin O'Neill had been hopeful of the former AC Milan player returning against Manchester United at Old Trafford on April 5.[LNB]But Laursen suffered a reaction during Villa's current training break in Dubai and concedes he pushed himself too hard to return.[LNB]He said: 'I had a problem with my knee on the second day of training out in Dubai and it was a real blow after my recovery seemed to be coming along so well.[LNB]'It's been so frustrating because I am desperate to play again, but I've realised that you can't rush back from injuries like this.[LNB]'I think I possibly tried to do too much so it will be a case of taking things more slowly this time.'[LNB]Laursen has not completely ruled out the possibility of facing the Red Devils and much will depend on the progress he makes with his rehabilitation during the international break.[LNB]He said: 'I had earmarked the United game as a possible comeback but that willdepend on how things go over the next couple of weeks.'[LNB]Laursen insists Villa will pull out all the stops to try and put their push for a Champions League spot back on track after a sequence of eight games without awin in all competitions.[LNB]He said: 'We have to get back to winning form and we can't afford too many slip-ups in the battle for fourth place.[LNB]'Arsenal have been playing well in the past few weeks but everyone is determined to try and bring Champions League football to the club.'[LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail