Premiership: Villa duo in fitness battle

Aston Villa have right-back Mark Delaney and midfielder Mustapha Hadji under treatment in the build-up to Sunday’s clash with Leeds United at Elland Road.

Wales international Delaney had nine stitches inserted in a wound in his leg after he was forced off during the opening stages of last weekend’s goalless draw against Middlesbrough.

Moroccan Hadji missed that game with a knee problem suffered in training.

While the duo battle to be fit, Villa are boosted by the return of skipper Paul Merson and central defender Steve Staunton.

Merson, who has been sidelined by calf, hamstring and back problems over the last two months, proved his fitness with a successful outing for the reserves in mid-week.

Staunton returns to the squad after he was rested for the clash against Middlesbrough following his return from international duty with Irish squad.

Team (from): Schmeichel, Stone, Delaney, Alpay, Mellberg, Wright, Hadji, Merson, Boateng, Hendrie, Kachloul, Vassell, Angel, Dublin, Taylor, Staunton, Barry, Ginola, Balaban, Enckleman.