Carew on course for Villa comeback

Forced off: John Carew suffered knee ligament damage against Everton
13 April 2012

Aston Villa striker John Carew has resumed light training after four weeks out injured and could be back in contention for Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash at Bolton.

The Norway international has been sidelined since suffering knee ligament damage during last month's home clash with Everton after scoring his first goal of the campaign earlier in the game.

Carew played an important part in Villa's revival during the final third of last season after signing from Lyon in a swap deal with Milan Baros during the January transfer window.

His physical presence and power offers Villa an alternative to the pace of fellow frontmen Gabriel Agbonlahor, Luke Moore and Ashley Young.

Villa manager Martin O'Neill said: "John is on course with his comeback and he has been doing some light work already.

"At the very worst, I would imagine John would be back for the Derby game in two weeks but, if things progress nicely, then maybe he will be in contention for next week against Bolton.

"The timing of his injury was unfortunate because John was showing signs of rediscovering the form he had shown last season and the goal against Everton would have been a real confidence boost."

Carew's return may be timely as O'Neill hinted he may decide to make changes following Saturday night's 4-1 home reversal by Manchester United.

The Irishman said: "I decided because we got the result against West Ham that we would go in against Manchester United with the same personnel.

"We might start to change things around a little bit now. We've not got that many to choose from but we will see."

O'Neill will have to make at least two changes for the trip to the Reebok Stadium as midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker and goalkeeper Scott Carson will be suspended after being sent off against United.

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