Martin Laursen will bounce back from latest injury, says Aston Villa boss

Jan 21 2009 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

“If it’s just the same as before, that is encouraging. He has definitely got bone bruising and that can take some time to get out. I am no medical expert but the number of games you play in professional football there is eventually wear and tear.

“The more serious operations you have the more eventual concern it is. At this minute I would not want to be full of doom and gloom.

“He has fought back from adversity before.”

Laursen returned against Albion after missing three matches but then missed the win at Sunderland and still has “soreness”.

O’Neill added: “We will get to the bottom of it, it’s the length of time that it might take. It’s one of those that you have to manage.

“It’s more than a discomfort for him. Martin has played with discomfort before. He knows all about it.

“We will just have to wait and see what the outcome will be, then we will treat it accordingly.”

The Villa boss says it was Laursen’s decision to face Albion.

“He felt great for the game with West Bromwich Albion. He declared himself properly fit to play in the match, so there are no recriminations.

“All the things the specialist said had worked to plan but he certainly felt a bit sore in the second half.

“He did not say anything until the end of the game. Martin is not one of those who would start complaining.”