Fredi Fit For Villa?

Fredi Kanoute has an outside chance of being fit to play at Aston Villa this weekend - but there is bad news for Steve Lomas, who is ruled out.

Says physio Simon Webster: "Fredi will train with the youth team on Wednesday and we will see how he progresses through the week; there is a possibility of him being okay for the weekend but we will have a better idea later in the week as to whether we can be more positive.

"We will just have to see how he gets on."

That is certainly good news for the striker, who last played - albeit extremely briefly - against Chelsea in September.

But the verdict is not so good for Steve Lomas, who injured himself against Leeds, misses Manchester United, but has been expected to be fine for the trip to the Midlands.

Steve has ankle bone and ligament damage, and Simon says of him: "He doesn't look to be in contention for Saturday as he still has a bit more to do."

Also on the injured list amongst the senior players is John Moncur, who has bone bruising to the knee.

"He has taken longer than we thought to get fit," admits Simon.

There is also bad news for youngster Elliot Ward, whom Glenn Roeder wanted to get experience alongside Anton Ferdinand in the reserves on a regular basis.

"He has had a stress response to the tibia which has built up over time by training and playing - he will be out for about six weeks, which is a great shame as he has been doing very well."

At least there is good news for Don Hutchison and Steve Bywater as they look to return from long term injuries.

"Don's run out in the reserves is by way of a fitness exercise and we think he has plenty of fuel in the tank," says Simon.

"Steve has been training every day this week and hopefully he will play in a reserve game the week after next."