Bent fit for Villa opener

by Setanta Staff , 11 August 2011 Bent fit for Villa opener

Aston Villa star Darren Bent has recovered from the shoulder injury which had ruled him out of England's postponed game with Holland.


Bent is available for Villa's Barclays Premier League opener with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The striker scored nine goals in 16 matches after his club record £18million move from Sunderland in January and established himself as a first- choice player for his country.

Villa boss Alex McLeish has a virtual clean bill of health for his first competitive game in charge since replacing Gerard Houllier in June.

Central defender James Collins has also overcome the back injury which prompted his withdrawal from the Welsh squad to face Australia last night.

Midfielder Fabian Delph is also in contention after a series of injury setbacks during the past two years, including ankle surgery at the end of last season.

McLeish said: "At this moment there are no injuries to shout about. We have almost everyone available. There is no-one on the treatment table.

"Bent is fine with his shoulder.

"Collins was struggling with his back but the doctor injected him and took some blood out of a lump at the base of his back.

"He was in a lot of discomfort and it was right he should pull out of the mid-week game for his country. But we believe he will be ready for the weekend."

Subscribe to Setanta
Hungary v Ireland

Setanta Sports broadcasts exclusively live coverage of the best premium football, rugby and motorsport including Barclays Premier League, Rugby World Cup 2011, French Top 14, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, League of Ireland, Rabobank Pro12 and Golf from around the World.

Edit Web Part Contents