Aston Villa have been lifted ahead of their clash with league leaders Manchester City with news three players could return from injury.
Agbonlahor, Albrighton and Collins all set to return in City clash
Aston Villa have been lifted ahead of their clash with league leaders Manchester City with news three players could return from injury.
England international striker Gabriel Agbonlahor, defender James Collins and winger Marc Albrighton were all forced to sit on the sidelines as Villa fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Newcastle last Sunday.
However, with City making the trip to Villa Park this Sunday it is expected the trio should boost boss Alex McLeish's spirits as they all make strong progress.
Agbonlahor, 25, is working with Villa medical staff in an attempt to make the grade for the weekend's encounter while England U21 international Albrighton and centre-back Collins are set to return to training with the team later in the week.
Progress
"James and Marc will train on Friday while Gabby is making good progress and we're hoping he'll make Sunday as well," manager McLeish said.
Agbonlahor has been out of action with back and hamstring problems since his last outing at the Emirates Stadium when Villa surrendered a two-goal advantage to get dumped out of the FA Cup.
Wales international Collins is set to make his return after suffering with a calf injury since Villa's tie with Wolves last month while Albrighton should be ready to start after recovering from thigh troubles.
Meanwhile, McLeish has dismissed any concern regarding Stephen Ireland, who had to be substituted with an ankle injury against the Magpies, saying: "I don't think there's too much wrong with Stevie."
