Clark facing fitness race for Villa

Aston Villa could be without Republic fo Ireland defender Ciaran Clark and also midfielder Karim El Ahmadi again when they face Norwich tomorrow.

Aston Villa could be without Republic of Ireland defender Ciaran Clark and also midfielder Karim El Ahmadi again when they face Norwich tomorrow.

The pair missed Monday’s 6-1 win over Sunderland, with Clark struggling with a foot injury and El Ahmadi a groin strain, and will be assessed ahead of the trip to Carrow Road.

Villa manager Paul Lambert has no other new headaches ahead of his return to his old club, with Richard Dunne, Marc Albrighton, Gary Gardner and Chris Herd all long-term absentees.

Provisional squad: Guzan, Given, Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Lichaj, Stevens, Baker, Bennett, Sylla, El Ahmadi, Ireland, Westwood, Dawkins, N’Zogbia, Bannan, Holman, Benteke, Agbonlahor, Bent, Bowery, Weimann.