Martin Taylor injured for Everton game

Apr 10 2008

MARTIN Taylor is set to miss Saturday's game at home to Everton due to a groin injury.

Taylor came off at Wigan Athletic with 18 minutes to go after feeling discomfort.

Scans have shown the problem to be minor and although Taylor should be available for the Villa derby, he is unlikely to be 100 per cent by Saturday.

Daniel de Ridder, who injured his hamstring on Monday in the Birmingham Senior Cup final, cannot be considered this weekend but, again, is likely to have recovered by the weekend after next.

On a brighter note, manager Alex McLeish hopes to have Olivier Kapo involved on Saturday, possibly on the substitutes bench rather than as a starter.

Kapo tore his hamstring at the end of February and has made slower than expected progress.

He has rejoined full training and McLeish said: "Kapo looks on course for selection," but there are no guarantees.

James McFadden, who underwent a cartilage operation, is struggling to be fit to face his old club.

McLeish said: "He's had a small irritation on the outside of his knee."

However, McLeish reported that McFadden has felt better after resting for a couple of days.

Damien Johnson starts a three-game ban on Saturday but Franck Queudrue and Liam Ridgewell are now free from suspension.