Villa duo battling to face Blues

19 February 2009 11:33
Heskey missed the FA Cup reversal at Everton and the UEFA Cup draw with CSKA Moscow after aggravating an Achilles problem when on England duty in Spain last week.[LNB]Club record signing Milner was also unable to face the Russians after he picked up a thigh injury in the 3-1 loss at Goodison Park.[LNB]Manager Martin O'Neill said: "Milner has got a bit of a thigh problem and the doctor thought he would have a better chance for Saturday if he didn't play against CSKA.[LNB]"Heskey is improving and we will see how he is during the next 24 hours. I will have a better idea on Friday."[LNB]O'Neill has already voiced his anger at Heskey playing in Spain when not 100% fit and could take the opportunity on Saturday to speak to Fabio Capello, who is set to attend the game.[LNB]"I have said already that I wasn't best pleased," he added. "I haven't spoken to Capello yet. I will do.[LNB]"I think it is important for me to speak to him. He is coming to the game on Saturday."[LNB]New Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink and owner Roman Abramovich witnessed Villa's 1-1 draw with CSKA on Wednesday night.[LNB]O'Neill admits he did not expect to see a change of manager at Stamford Bridge after Villa were beaten 2-0 by Chelsea earlier in the campaign.[LNB]"Obviously Guus Hiddink has got quality players at his club and it is only a few months ago that Chelsea were the only side this season to have beaten us very well," he added.[LNB]"Anyone coming away from the game that evening would have been surprised to have seen a change of manager by this time.[LNB]"But things can happen, so fickle is the game."[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk