Gerard Houllier: Gabriel Agbonlahor doubtful for Arsenal clash
Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has said his team may have to do without striker Gabriel Agbonlahor against Arsenal on Saturday 27 November, while midfielder Robert Pires could play a part when his former club visits Villa Park.
Houllier, who spoke at a press conference on Friday 26 November, said that Agbonlahor, who has only made four league starts this season, could miss the tie after being absent from two days of training.
"Gabby is ill at the moment," the Frenchman said. "He didn't train yesterday and he didn't train today. I will have a better idea of him this afternoon and tomorrow morning but he hasn't been with us today. It's a shame because we may have
to do without him."
Experienced Pires an example for eager youngsters
Pires, who joined Villa until the end of the current season on 18 November, made a substitute appearance for the team in the their victory over Blackburn Rovers three days later.
Houllier said he is under no illusion that the 37-year-old, who spent six seasons at Arsenal between 2000 and 2006, can retain the fitness levels he showed at the peak of his career, but that his composure is much-needed at Villa park.
"I put him on again against Blackburn, he did the full week [of training] and he looks okay. I'm not stupid. I know he has not got the same legs as four or five years ago," said the manager, who nonetheless valued the experience his compatriot
brings to his young squad. "But he has got all the qualities and also he can help because we have a team of players who are spinning things around, rushing around everywhere. They play without fear and sometimes I think he will bring a bit more calm to the
game."
Houllier's team, who have 17 points from 14 games in the league, are 13th in the table going into Saturday's encounter.
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