Aston Villa FC

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Downing sets December target

24 Jul 2009 - 13:46:25

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Stewart Downing does not think he will be able to make his Aston Villa debut until December.

The England international moved to Villa Park from Middlesbrough for £12million earlier this month even though he is struggling to recover from the foot injury he suffered on the final day of last season.

"The injury is a bit of a strange one. It isn't a break but there's a fracture there," said Downing.

"I've had to have it pinned and that should come out in September. Then it's a case of building it up.

"The target is early December. If I'm ready before then that's a bonus. If it's after it just needs time to heal.

"I'm sure I'll play before Christmas. The manager wants me 100 per cent right and is prepared to give me extra time to do it."