Aston Villa: Emile Heskey ready to return against West Brom
Dec 9 2010 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail
GERARD Houllier is ready to send out an SOS – Save Our Season – to Villa’s elder statesmen with Emile Heskey, Stiliyan Petrov and Nigel Reo-Coker closing in on returns.
Houllier is hoping Heskey can be the claret and blues’ striking salvation after confirming that the targetman will be involved in Saturday’s Villa Park derby against West Brom.
Petrov is also set to make his comeback ahead of schedule during the festive period with Villa expecting the skipper to resume full training at Bodymoor Heath in two weeks’ time.
Reo-Coker joined in for the first time yesterday but this weekend’s clash is expected to come too soon for the vice-captain with Wigan away a more realistic target.
Fit-again Carlos Cuellar is in Houllier’s thoughts as the manager seeks a solution to Villa’s disappointing defensive record of 27 goals conceded.
Heskey travelled to Liverpool for Monday night’s defeat after recovering from knee surgery, but did not make the 17-man squad.
“He was not involved but he will definitely be involved on Saturday,” confirmed Houllier.
“It’s not down to me it’s down to other people to analyse the minutes we’ve played with Emile, the goals he’s made, the goals he’s scored, the ones he was involved in and you would see the difference.
“Emile works hard for the team and we’ve missed him.
“Emile is an important player for us. Don’t get me wrong, I’m quite happy with Gabby Agbonlahor and John Carew but maybe they are not at that level yet.”
On Petrov (knee), Reo-Coker (knee) and Sidwell (Achilles), Houllier said: “Petrov, I think within two weeks he should be back in training with us. It is ahead of schedule.
