Aston Villa: Martin Laursen sets comeback date - against Manchester United
Aston Villa skipper Martin Laursen has been pencilled in to make his first team comeback from injury in the Barclays' Premier League clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford on April 5.
The 31-year-old has not featured since the home encounter with West Brom on January 10 after which he underwent knee surgery.
The former AC Milan defender has also announced his retirement from international football with Denmark to help ensure he protects his fitness.
But he's making good progress from his latest setback and Villa manager martin O'Neill is optimistic he will be available for the meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
O'Neill said: "Martin is making good progress at the moment and he is deadly keen to play again.
"After the Liverpool game (on March 22), he has got that extra fortnight to get ready because he no longer plays international football so you are probably looking at the Manchester United game.
"Everyone knows how well he has done for us during the past couple of seasons and it will be good to have as many players available as possible for the run-in."
O'Neill will also monitor the fitness of left-back Wilfred Bouma during Villa's short break abroad later this week in Dubai before deciding whether he can return against Tottenham on March 15.
