Problems mount for Gianfranco Zola ahead of vital Aston Villa clash

Ken Dyer
03.11.09

West Ham and Aston Villa have injury problems ahead of tomorrow night's Premier League clash at Upton Park.

West Ham's main worry centres around midfielder Valon Behrami, who was forced off against Sunderland with a sore ankle.

Behrami, who has just returned after six months out with a serious knee injury, is vital to Gianfanco Zola's plans but the Hammers manager is mindful that his team have another vital home match on Sunday, against Everton.

Zola will also be without the suspended Radoslav Kovac following his dismissal at Sunderland but Scott Parker returns after serving a ban.

Villa manager Martin O'Neill also has his concerns ahead of the game, with right-back Carlos Cuellar suspended and both England midfielder James Milner and Stiliyan Petrov doubtful.

Zola meanwhile, was harshly critical of his team after they squandered a two-goal lead against Sunderland.

"It's not possible for the team to play like it did in the first half and then let Sunderland back in as we did," he said. "It's something we have to correct because it's keeping us in a position where we don't deserve to be."