Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Emile Heskey to be fit for Christmas

John Curtis,Press Association
Tuesday 22 December 2009 15:37 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

Aston Villa are relieved at the news that striker Emile Heskey should be fit for at least part of their festive programme.

Heskey limped out of Saturday's 1-0 home success over Stoke with a groin problem.

The England player went for a scan yesterday and there is no serious damage.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill said: "Emile went for a scan. It showed a bit of something but he feels much better himself.

"I think it is shaping up to be a short-term injury, which is good news for us and him.

"He may be available for one of the two Christmas games and that is decent news for us."

Villa visit Arsenal on Sunday and then entertain Liverpool next Tuesday and O'Neill will be relieved Heskey will be able to play at least some part.

The former Liverpool player was just starting to show his best form before the weekend setback and had netted three times in the previous six games.

O'Neill said: "Emile knows himself that he should be contributing more goals, but then he is an unselfish player who creates chances for other people.

"If you ask people like Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney with England, they will say how much they enjoy playing with him."

O'Neill has no other fresh injury problems ahead of the trip to the Emirates Stadium.

Villa will be looking to complete a set of victories over the so-called big four, having already defeated Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United this season.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in