Mellberg back for Gunners clash

Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg looks like winning his battle to be fit for tomorrow’s clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium after returning to training following an ankle injury which forced him to miss the win at Reading.

The Swedish international was the first player to score at the Emirates Stadium in Villa’s 1-1 draw on the opening day of last season at the beginning of the Martin O’Neill reign.

The Juventus bound Mellberg is likely to replace Craig Gardner at right-back with O’Neill needing his experience against the league leaders.

Midfielder Patrik Berger has recovered from a hamstring problem and could challenge for a place on the substitutes’ bench.

Provisional squad: Carson, Taylor, Mellberg, Gardner, Laursen, Davies, Knight, Bouma, Agbonlahor, Reo-Coker, Barry, Young, Berger, Osbourne, Petrov, Carew, Maloney, Harewood.