Laursen targets Gunners clash
10 Aug 2006 - 12:50:44
Aston Villa defender Martin Laursen is confident his injury nightmare is over and that he will be ready to play in the opening day trip to Arsenal.
The Denmark international has made just 13 Premiership appearances since joining Villa from AC Milan two years ago, with a serious knee injury keeping him on the sidelines.
The 29-year-old now believes he is approaching full fitness and was delighted to get a 45-minute run out under his belt during Tuesday's pre-season friendly against NEC Nijmegen.
"I came through it okay on Tuesday and the knee felt good. Everything's still going to plan and I'm feeling good, so I'm happy about things," said Laursen.
"It's been four weeks since we started building-up and I couldn't have asked for more. I'm satisfied, that's for sure.
"I would like to be available for the gaffer for Arsenal. We have to see over the next couple of days whether there's any reaction from the knee but I think I will be all right.
"It was the plan that I played 45 minutes and I feel good. Hopefully I'll play a part in the Friday game against Groningen as well."