Vassell back after toe woe

Vassell will hope to get back into action for England

England striker Darius Vassell will make his comeback for Aston Villa's reserves on Tuesday - after a bizarre attempt to rid himself of an injury.

Vassell has missed Villa's last three games because, when he was suffering from a swollen toe, he drilled through the nail because he thought it would ease the pressure.

Darius Vassell profile

The attempt at DIY surgery succeeded only in giving the toe an infection which doctors had to clear up.

Now the 22-year-old - who also missed the match against Manchester United on 26 October with a chest infection - is set for a run-out in Villa's second string against Walsall.

If all goes well at the Bescot Stadium, Vassell could return to the first-team squad for Saturday's derby at West Brom.

Villa manager Graham Taylor said: "He should have 45 minutes for the reserves and then be ready for first-team selection."

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