Aston Villa FC

• Founded:1874
• Manager:Gerard Houllier

• Ground:Villa Park
• Capacity:39339

Next Game: 25-Feb-2012 15:00

Wigan Athletic

VS

Aston Villa

Full match preview

Last Game: 12-Feb-2012 16:00

Aston Villa0

VS

Manchester City1

Full match report

Competing in:

• Premier League
• League Cup
• FA CUP

Bouma closing on a comeback

16 Sep 2009 - 16:24:37

Click To Enlarge

Aston Villa's Dutch defender Wilfred Bouma is excited to be closing in on a return to action after more than a year out of action due to an ankle injury.

The versatile 31-year-old has been sidelined since July last year, but recently featured in a behind-closed-doors practice match as he steps up his recovery.

He told the Birmingham Mail: "I feel good. It feels much better than the last time I returned to full training after the injury.

"We all thought I was going to be okay back then, but unfortunately I wasn't.

"I feel much freer now though. The discomfort is as good as gone. Now it's about fitness.

"I need to work really hard at that because I have missed pre-season training. When you miss that, it's hard to catch up with the boys.

"But the ankle is doing really well and I am pleased to be out training again. I can do everything now.

"It feels great, but I'm aware that I need to get that match fitness back and that's what I'm working really hard on.

"Getting match fit is my aim and hopefully I'll be able to take part in some reserve games soon, but you need a few weeks out training before you can do that.

"There are no time frames. I just hope it's as soon as possible, but everything has to be right first. At the moment, training is great and I am enjoying that."