Aston Villa boss David O'Leary believes that Martin Laursen will make a complete recovery from his knee injury. Reports had suggested that the 27-year-old defender may not return to full fitness after cartilage surgery.
But O'Leary said: "He might have an irritation of his knee but what has been claimed about his knee condition has been blown out of proportion.
"I expect Martin to be up and running and flying - and to have him back is a big lift for us."
Laursen, a �3m signing last summer, was injured against Charlton in August and has only just returned to action.
"The surgeons took a long time to put his injury right but he is doing fine now," added O'Leary.
"The surgeons have said it is important that Martin doesn't over extend himself by playing a daft amount of games and just gets through to the end of the season.
"They say it is important he rehabilitates well in the summer and does a solid pre-season of five to six weeks and then he will come back stronger and be absolutely fine."
MMIX
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