Aston Villa striker John Carew could return from injury for the Barclays Premier League clash with Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Saturday evening.
The Norwegian international has been unavailable for Villa's last four games because of a knee problem. But the former Lyon player, who had lost his place in the starting line-up to Emile Heskey before the setback, is now back in training and making good progress.
Villa manager Martin O'Neill said: "John has been training the last few days now and has had no reaction. Therefore, in terms of fitness, he would be in better condition than he was last week."
O'Neill will continue to monitor the fitness of skipper Stiliyan Petrov who has continued playing despite the handicap of an Achilles problem in recent weeks.
O'Neill said: "We are just going to have to monitor Stiliyan. We have games coming up and he is keen to play on. This week, with no midweek match, has given him a bit of a breather."
Source: PA
Source: PA