John Carew back in Villa squad for Arsenal for first time since furious row with Gerard Houllier
Nov 25 2010 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail
GERARD Houllier has confirmed John Carew will return to Villa’s squad to face Arsenal on Saturday for the first time since their public spat.
Carew was sore after playing an hour in the reserves’ 1-1 draw with Albion at Bodymoor Heath on Monday following his lay-off with a torn calf.
But the Norwegian targetman improved sufficiently in training yesterday to force his way into Houllier’s squad for the Gunners’ weekend visit.
Carew has not played since the Blues derby stalemate at the end of October after sustaining an injury in training ahead of the draw at Fulham.
His calf tear coincided with a fierce row when Carew accused Houllier of lacking respect and the manager branded him stupid and told to him to shut-up.
But the pair held showdown talks and called an uneasy truce, although Carew, who is out of contract next summer, is expected to be sold in January.
Asked if Carew was likely to feature on Saturday, Houllier replied: “Yes.
He did an hour in the reserves and he felt a bit stiff and sore in the end but he should be okay. I
“I haven’t made up the team yet. On Monday we had a warm down and we had Tuesday off.
“I wanted to give them a day off because after that we won’t have a day off for a long time.
“It was the first training yesterday and he looked better than he was on Monday.”
Robert Pires will also be involved in Saturday’s match against former club Arsenal, with Houllier confirming: “He will be in the squad.
