Source: Daily_Mail
Aston Villa's Stiliyan Petrov sets sights on Birmingham derby comeback from injury
Out of action: Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov has been sidelined since October with a knee injury [LNB]Aston Villa skipper Stiliyan Petrov has targeted a return to action for the derby clash with Birmingham at St Andrew's on January 16.[LNB] The Bulgarian international has been sidelined since late October with a knee problem suffered against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. [LNB]But midfielder Petrov is stepping up his rehabilitation work and hopes to return to full training in the next couple of weeks - and then be back in contention to play in a further fortnight. [LNB]Petrov said: 'It has been a painful experience for me. Throughout my career, I've never missed too many games through injury and it's not something I've enjoyed. [LNB]'I just have to be patient for a little longer but my knee is now well and truly on the mend. [LNB]'I've really stepped up my work rate recently and I'm looking to be back in training within the next couple of weeks.[LNB] 'Then I aim to be pushing for a recall within 10 days or maybe a couple of weeks of returning to training. [LNB]'With a bit of luck, I will be back for the derby away to Birmingham in mid-January.'[LNB] Villa have been decimated by injuries in the centre of midfield with Nigel Reo-Coker and Steve Sidwell also enduring lengthy lay-offs. [LNB] Aston Villa midfielder Ireland set for crunch talks with HoullierWatch all the Premier League goals every week on our brilliant Yahoo video playerAston Villa set to land Dortmund goalkeeper Weidenfeller on a free ASTON VILLA FC
