Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate is back in contention after recovering
from a hamstring injury.
The England international has missed the club's last two games, but could return
against Villa, while Andrew Taylor (foot), Robert Huth (ankle) and Fabio Rochemback
(hamstring) may also be involved.
Midfielder Julio Arca is back in training, but the game could come too soon for
him, while striker Mido is still struggling.
Aston Villa strikers Gabriel Agbonlahor and Luke Moore are expected to be fit for
Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash with Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.
Moore was forced to pull out of the England Under-21 games with Bulgaria and Portugal
because of a niggling groin problem suffered in the derby win over Birmingham but
has now resumed training.
Five-goal leading scorer Agbonlahor was not risked for the midweek draw with Portugal
after picking up a knee injury against Bulgaria. But he should also be ready to
face former Villa defender Gareth Southgate's side.
Villa boss Martin O'Neill is expected to keep faith with goalkeeper Scott Carson
despite his glaring error on his competitive England debut against Croatia which
gifted the visitors the first goal in a 3-2 win.