International break = little action at Villa Park, but here’s what is going down

By: Martini Extra Dry | September 9th, 2008

There’s bad news and there’s good news: Sidwell’s Premiership debut for the Villa has been delayed further by a new injury and Bouma has signed a new contract.

Poor old Sidders has now got a poorly knee, sustained after coming back from a calf injury he picked up just before the season started. His luck really hasn’t been great since signing for Villa from Chelsea. First off, the man he was bought in to replace went and stayed at the club, then in his debut game he scored an own goal. After a couple of games he injured his calf and was ruled out of the start of the season. Now, on his comeback game for the reserves, he has hurt his knee and is out of action again. Not the best start for the lovable ginge.

Another man suffering from some bad luck is Wilfred Bouma, his horrific injury against Odense has seen him sidelined for months and now a good player has been brought in to try and hog his place in the side. Bouma has now received a well deserved lift though, in the form of a new contract, keeping him at Villa Park for another two years.

Bouma is estimated to be back in action in a month or two, when he will go head to head with new-boy Nicky Shorey in a battle for the left back position. It’s a hard one to call. If Shorey can regain the form that made O’Neill target him and saw him get into the England side, he will pose a serious threat to the Dutchman. Bouma though has become a huge fan favourite in the last year or so, with his excellent performances and will be determined to give the gaffer a big headache in his selection process.

Not much else going on at Villa right now but we’re back in action on Monday against Spurs. It’s on the box too, so if you don’t have Setanta… find a pub that does!