Villa hope injured pair can recover

Aston Villa are optimistic that Darius Vassell and Martin Laursen could both be fit for tomorrow’s Premiership home match with Charlton.

Vassell and Laursen suffered ankle and knee injuries respectively during Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Southampton – but the duo have not been ruled out.

Striker Vassell is still awaiting the results of a scan but has been able to train, while the availability of Laursen would solve a defensive crisis with Olof Mellberg injured and Liam Ridgewell suspended.

Provisional squad: Sorensen, De la Cruz, Delaney, Laursen, Samuel, Solano, Hendrie, Davis, Barry, Angel, Vassell, Hitzlsperger, Berson, Postma, Cole, L Moore, Whittingham.