FABIAN Delph is set to return to contention for this weekend’s visit of Liverpool after it emerged he has been struggling with a knee problem.

Delph was left out of the matchday squad for last Saturday’s victory at Bolton after sustaining the injury in training late last week.

But the 22-year-old midfielder was back on the Bodymoor Heath practice matches yesterday and is expected to be in the 18 to face the Reds at Villa Park on Sunday.

Assistant manager Peter Grant admitted manager Alex McLeish left out Delph last weekend as a precaution for fear of aggravating the slight knock.

Delph had cruciate ligament surgery 18 months ago so Villa’s medical staff are extra careful when it comes to the former Leeds star’s knees.

He started the first eight Premier League matches of the season but lost his place to Chris Herd before partnering the Aussie in central midfield for the draw at Swansea last month.

“Obviously at the weekend we lost Fabian before the game,” said Grant.

“He had a bit of a problem with his knee.

“It was more of a knock that he got in training but we can’t take chances just now going into all these big games coming up.

“The Christmas period is so tough. You get very little time to rest so we couldn’t afford to lose another body.