Carew on course for Villa comeback

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Norway international has been sidelined since suffering knee ligament damage during last month's home clash with Everton after scoring his first goal of the campaign earlier in the game.

Carew played an important part in Villa's revival during the final third of last season after signing from Lyon in a swap deal with Milan Baros during the January transfer window.

His physical presence and power offers Villa an alternative to the pace of fellow frontmen Gabriel Agbonlahor, Luke Moore and Ashley Young.

Villa manager Martin O'Neill said: "John is on course with his comeback and he has been doing some light work already.

"At the very worst, I would imagine John would be back for the Derby game in two weeks but, if things progress nicely, then maybe he will be in contention for next week against Bolton.

"The timing of his injury was unfortunate because John was showing signs of rediscovering the form he had shown last season and the goal against Everton would have been a real confidence boost."

Carew's return may be timely as O'Neill hinted he may decide to make changes following Saturday night's 4-1 home reversal by Manchester United.

The Irishman said: "I decided because we got the result against West Ham that we would go in against Manchester United with the same personnel.

"We might start to change things around a little bit now. We've not got that many to choose from but we will see."

O'Neill will have to make at least two changes for the trip to the Reebok Stadium as midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker and goalkeeper Scott Carson will be suspended after being sent off against United.