Aston Villa: Curtis Davies on track for return, says Villa boss
Dec 5 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail
CURTIS Davies’ recovery from shoulder surgery is bang on schedule, according to Villa manager Martin O’Neill.
Reports last week suggested that Davies had suffered a setback and that his comeback would be delayed.
But O’Neill insists the former West Brom defender is progressing well following his September operation.
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And Davies should be ready to return early in the new year if he continues to recover at the same rate.
Davies has not featured for Villa since dislocating his shoulder three times in quick succession at the start of the season.
“Contrary to what was said last week in newspapers, there has been no setbacks or anything and he is doing very well in fact,” said O’Neill.
“We will wait for the specialist report, which will be coming in very shortly, but the time frame was always around about 16 weeks.
“It is one of those injuries where you wouldn’t be tempted to rush anyone back beforehand but he is doing very well.”
Meanwhile, O’Neill is hoping another of his defenders Richard Dunne, will cope with the ongoing psychological blow of Ireland’s World Cup absence following last night’s draw.
“It is very difficult to forget, of course, and at certain times you must go back and think about it and think what could have been,” he said.
“It will probably hit him seeing the draw.
“That might dwell on his mind for a few days and maybe a bit longer and then eventually the non-participation of Ireland in the summer when he is maybe sitting around and thinking that could have been them.
“Those are the times but in terms of his application it has been very good since the play-offs.”
Villa are again set to be without Dunne’s regular centre-back partner James Collins (groin) for this afternoon’s clash against Hull, but striker John Carew is back in contention (hamstring).
“We should have the same players available as the other evening. James Collins is still struggling. John Carew has trained and I think he is going to be okay.
“The Portsmouth win has been very heartening. It was for us and takes us into the semi-final and it is something to look forward to after Christmas.”
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