Mark Delaney enjoyed a good run out with the Aston Villa reserves on Tuesday night after missing the first part of the season with a knee injury. The 29-year-old defender underwent minor surgery after injuring his knee during pre-season training.
But Delaney played a good 65 minutes in the 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers reserves, before being replaced.
"It is good he is back in contention and when he is fit he is Villa's Mr Dependable," said boss David O'Leary.
But striker Kevin Phillips has joined the injury list with a calf strain and is likely to miss the next two matches.
Phillips was injured during the warm-up for Saturday's match against Tottenham and is now targeting a return against Middlesbrough on 2 October.
"Kevin is out on Tuesday and is a doubt for Chelsea," said O'Leary - ajhead of the Carling Cup match at Wycombe.
"Maybe the Middlesbrough game is the earliest we are looking at for a return."
MMIX
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Match of the Day - Post-match interviews