Injury setback for Craig Gardener

Apr 30 2008 By Bill Howell

CRAIG Gardner has suffered a slight setback in his bid to return to fitness after a five-game absence with a thigh injury.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill has also revealed that Shaun Maloney has picked up an ankle injury but should be available to start training tomorrow.

Gardner has been out of action since straining a muscle whilst on England under-21 duty before Villa's trip to Manchester United a month ago.

The versatile midfielder-cum-right-back had put himself in contention for the derby with Blues only to pull up.

"Craig was due back a week ago and in actual fact joined up with us for the game against Birmingham, but he was still feeling his thigh therefore he came back out of the firing line," said O'Neill.

"Obviously he was trying to rush back to be in contention for the Birmingham game. That was very commendable and very laudable. But at the end of the day he maybe just tried to get back a wee bit too quickly.

"So it is best that we take our time now to get him absolutely right. But he is making good progress again."

Scottish international Maloney has not made the 16 for the past four fixtures after coming on as a first-half sub at Old Trafford.

"Shaun was not feeling well last Sunday," revealed O'Neill.

"He had picked up a bit of an ankle problem. Roddy McDonald, our doctor, thinks that he should be alright to start training again tomorrow.

"We will monitor Craig in the meantime, as well.

"We will see how he goes, but everyone else at the moment is fine and we are getting ourselves prepared for Saturday."