Mixed injury news for Villa

Cuellar pushing for debut but Sidwell remains absent

By James Dall   Last updated: 12th September 2008

David Cuellar800x600

Cuellar: Could make bow

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Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has confirmed Carlos Cuellar is available for Monday's clash at Tottenham Hotspur but Steve Sidwell is set to miss out.

Spanish defender Cuellar has been sidelined with a calf injury since signing for Villa from Rangers last month, but is pushing for a debut appearance after proving his fitness.

Sidwell, meanwhile, has yet to appear in the Premier League since his summer move from Chelsea due to a series of troublesome injuries and, while he is nearing a return to fitness, the midfielder will be unavailable against Spurs.

O'Neill said on Sky Sports News: "I think Sidwell will probably miss out on Monday. It is stop-start for him really.

"It is just niggling him, he should be okay, and it should be a matter of days rather than weeks."

On Cuellar, O'Neill added: "He is doing well, very well indeed. He has played a couple of reserve games

"He has got himself into a bit of shape now and I think he is just about ready."