Robert Pires is fit and ready to play for Aston Villa this weekend providing his move is finalised.
French veteran fit to face Blackburn on Sunday
Robert Pires has confirmed he is fit and ready to play for Aston Villa this weekend providing his move gets finalised in time.
The former Villarreal man has been training with Arsenal recently to improve his fitness after leaving the Spaniards over the summer.
Pires has now agreed to link up with compatriot Gerard Houllier in a bid to solve the club's current midfield crisis.
With the likes of Stiliyan Petrov and Nigel Reo-Coker on the sidelines, Houllier has been forced to blood some fresh faces.
Although the youngsters have acquitted themselves with distinction, the club's new manager is keen to add some experience to his squad.
Pires brings just that and believes he could even make his debut against Blackburn on Sunday as fitness is not an issue.
No problem
"It's no problem for me to play on Sunday," said Pires. "I've been training with Arsenal for two months and I'm happy and in good form.
"I just have to see Aston Villa's medical staff at the end of the week and, if I've signed, I hope to be part of the trip to Blackburn on Sunday."
Pires added: "Nothing's done yet, nothing's been signed, but the talks with Gerard Houllier are going well.
"Now let's say I just have to convince the team doctor and hopefully I will sign before the end of the week.
"The medical is set for Thursday or Friday, so we'll see first what happens in the last meeting with Gerard Houllier and everyone else from Aston Villa. Things are going well, though.
"It (the deal) would be for six months or longer, but there are still some things to sort out, although I assure everyone it's not in terms of finances."
