Villa's Carew fit for Gunners clash

Aston Villa striker John Carew is available after a four-game absence for the home Barclays Premier League clash with Arsenal tomorrow lunch-time.

The Norwegian international played for the reserves in midweek after being ruled out of four games with a calf problem.

Carew has been Villa’s leading scorer for the past three seasons and played under manager Gerard Houllier at Lyon.

Defender James Collins is also expected to be in contention after missing the 2-0 defeat at Blackburn, also with a calf injury.

Young midfielder Jonathan Hogg is Villa’s only new injury doubt after suffering an ankle injury at Ewood Park and will be assessed.

Houllier confirmed new signing Robert Pires will be included in the 18 to face his former club.

Villa (from): Friedel, Luke Young, Clark, Dunne, Warnock, Ireland, Hogg, Bannan, Downing, Ashley Young, Agbonlahor, Carew, Collins, Pires, Delfouneso, Herd, Guzan, Osbourne, Lichaj, Lowry.