Aston Villa midfielder Patrik Berger is finally set to start on
the comeback trail by resuming full training on Monday.
The Czech player has been sidelined with a knee problem suffered
against Manchester City at the end of October.
But Berger, formerly of Portsmouth and Liverpool, has made good
progress and could play in a reserve team outing against Sunderland
in 11 days' time.
His return will be a welcome boost for David O'Leary, after the
Villa manager was unable to bring in any new players during the
January transfer window and saw loan signing Eirik Bakke return to
Leeds.
O'Leary said: 'We didn't bring anyone in last month but having
Patrik back is the nearest we'll get to that.
'It's a boost to the players having Patrik and Kevin Phillips back
with about three months of the season to go.
'Patrik has been unlucky with injuries since he came here and I
know he is someone who can change a game.
'But there is still time for him to make an impact in the final
third of the season.'
Berger was initially expected to have surgery but instead was
advised to undergo rest and rehabilitation for a two-month
period.
