Last Updated: Fri, 08 Mar 2013 08:00
Aston Villa captain Ron Vlaar is hoping to overcome a calf injury in time to lead his side out against Reading on Saturday.
The Dutch international centre back sustained the knock in training last month and admits he is unable to say whether he will be able to return against the Royals at the Madejski Stadium.
He said: "It happened out of nothing at training. Right now, I'm going from day to day in the hope that it will clear up quickly."
Inexperienced duo Nathan Baker and Ciaran Clark look set to continue in the heart of the back four if Vlaar remains out while Yacouba Sylla could step into Fabian Delph's position in midfield.
The former Leeds United midfielder will serve a two-match suspension after he totted up his 10th yellow card of the season in Monday night's 1-0 home defeat to Manchester City.
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