Elmander declared fit for Villa clash

Elmander required six stitches in a head wound after being floored by Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic last weekend. After the game Wanderers boss Owen Coyle complained about it being a "terrible challenge," one that went unpunished by referee Martin Atkinson.

But the forward has suffered no lasting effects according to Coyle, who said: "He had six stitches, and we had to nurse him a little bit at the start of the week. But he is fit to play, available, and I'm sure he will look to do his best."

A doubt, though, hangs over defender Paul Robinson who missed the game with an ankle injury.

Coyle added: "We're hoping he will train at some point ahead of the game on Saturday.

"He'll certainly have to to be in contention, so we'll look at that one."

Fellow defender Gretar Steinsson is available after he sat out the loss to United through suspension following his red card in the 2-0 defeat at Everton a week earlier.

Coyle still has five key players out with long-term injuries in Stuart Holden, Chris Basham, Gavin McCann, Sean Davis and Joey O'Brien.

Source: PA

Source: PA