Duo set to give Villa a lift

Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger and striker Darius Vassell are on the verge of returning to action after lengthy injury lay-offs.

Hitzlsperger is poised to make a reserve team comeback in Thursday’s meeting with Manchester United at the Bescot Stadium.

The German international has been sidelined for the last eight matches after suffering a thigh muscle injury in the 2-0 defeat at Manchester City in late November.

His return is timely after Gavin McCann underwent a cartilage operation on Monday which will rule him out for six to eight weeks.

Hitzlsperger is out of contract at the end of the current campaign and negotiations regarding a new deal have been slow to get off the ground.

Vassell has been stepping up his rehabilitation work after three months out of action since breaking an ankle in the home win over Fulham in mid-October.

He could also play some part in the reserve game – although his progress will be monitored over the next couple of days before any final decision is made.

It is likely to be the start of February before Vassell will be considered for a possible first team recall by David O’Leary.

The Villa chief will particularly welcome his return given that he has had to operate with only out-of-form Juan Pablo Angel and Carlton Cole plus rookie Luke Moore as his strike force.

Cole is without a goal for Villa since August 28 while Angel has failed to hit the target in his last 11 matches – but the absence of Vassell has left O’Leary with no alternatives.