Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish buoyed by the return of Darrent Bent ahead of Chelsea clash

Former Birmingham boss reveals he will have the services of the club's top scorer for the New Year’s visit to Stamford Bridge, although Emile Heskey is set to miss out

29 Dec 2011 15:01:00

By Jake Watson

More On :  Aston Villa, Emile Heskey, Darren Bent
EPL : Darren Bent, Aston Villa v Stoke City
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Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish is able to recall Darren Bent back into the starting XI for the New Year’s trip to Chelsea, although he will be without Emile Heskey.

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Bent has been absent through injury in recent weeks and the club has struggled to find goals, with the former Sunderland man coming under fire himself after he was pictured shopping during his side's recent 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.

However, McLeish will be buoyed by the return of his club's top scorer to fitness, with Villa having scored just three times in their last seven games.

"He went for physio this morning (Thursday), did a good session, and he'll train with the team tomorrow and he'll travel," McLeish told SkySports.

"He should then be available for selection."

The Villans will have to travel to Stamford Bridge without Emile Heskey, however, with the striker picking up an injury.

"Emile Heskey is out, he's got an Achilles problem, maybe a bit of a chronic injury as opposed to something serious, and we'll just have to manage that one. But he will miss this weekend's game."

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