Villa set for Gardner boost March 19 2008
Craig Gardner looks set to return to the Aston Villa side for Saturday's visit of Sunderland.
Gardner missed the 2-0 defeat at Portsmouth with a back injury but should be fit to replace Olof Mellberg at right-back.
The Sweden international misses the clash with the Black Cats through suspension following his dismissal at Fratton Park for two bookable offences.
If the 22-year-old comes through the game with the Mackems, he will then join up with the England Under-21 squad for next Tuesday's match with Poland at Molineux.
"He was really sore on Friday but he is okay. With a bit of luck he'll be training again on Wednesday," said Villa manager Martin O'Neill.