ALEX McLeish is optimistic Gabby Agbonlahor, Stephen Ireland and Emile Heskey will be fit for Sunday’s FA Cup fifth round trip to Arsenal.

But the Villa boss is awaiting a specialist’s report on Charles N’Zogbia’s heel to find out if the winger can be considered for selection at the Emirates.

And it could be another three weeks before Chris Herd is fit to resume training as he battles to bounce back from an ankle problem.

Agbonlahor has rejoined the rest of the squad at Bodymoor Heath after beating the sickness bug that forced him off at half-time in last weekend’s win at Wolves.

Ireland is also making positive progress with his injured hamstring after his recent revival was cut short.

Heskey has been troubled by an Achilles problem since the previous FA Cup round at Bristol Rovers but could be available this weekend.

“Gabby is OK and trained today after the illness which forced him off at half-time in the win against Wolves on Saturday,” said McLeish.

“Emile has responded well to the treatment on his Achilles and he will train later in the week, so that’s positive and we’ll see how he is.

“Stephen Ireland was unable to make the game against Wolves because of a hamstring strain but he’s been very positive today and we hope he will also be back training with the group later in the week.”

McLeish confirmed that N’Zogbia will under go further tests on his heel while a rehabilitation plan is being drawn up for Herd.

“Charles N’Zogbia will see a specialist,” he said. “He still has a persistent pain in his right heel, so we will have to see what the specialist says and we will take it from there with Charles.