The £6.75m signing from Middlesbrough has been receiving injections and is hopeful that his first game back will be at Villa Park against Everton on January 18.

Merson's injury problems began while on international duty in early October, but he carried on playing until being substituted against Nottingham Forest the following month.

"It's been a very frustrating time. I hate missing even one training session yet alone a series of matches when the boys have been pushing at the top of the table." said the former Arsenal star.

"But I feel great now and I'm having no problems from the back. I will be in light training in a few days. The injection has done the trick. It has eased the pain."