Defensive worries for Villa

Aston Villa have doubts over defenders Martin Laursen and Carlos Cuellar for the St Stephen's clash against Arsenal.

Aston Villa have doubts over defenders Martin Laursen and Carlos Cuellar for the St Stephen's Day clash against Arsenal.

Laursen has felt some discomfort in his knee following last Saturday’s 1-0 win at West Ham and is a doubt for the Barclays Premier League match at Villa Park. Zat Knight has been put on alert to start if the Danish international is ruled out.

Cuellar was forced off against West Ham after a heavy challenge but manager Martin O’Neill is optimistic he will be fit to return – Nigel Reo-Coker will deputise at right-back if the former Rangers defender fails to recover in time.

Provisional squad: Friedel, Cuellar, Laursen, Davies, L Young, Milner, Sidwell, Petrov, Barry, A Young, Agbonlahor, Reo-Coker, Knight, Shorey, Harewood, Gardner, Salifou, Osbourne, Guzan.