Albrighton set to join wigan on loan.

[eastie]

Marc Albrighton’s frustration continues as the Villa winger recovers from surgery to cure a throat problem.

It is the latest setback to hit Albrighton, who is in the final year of his contract and battling to save his claret and blue career.

Manager Paul Lambert is again contemplating whether to allow Albrighton out on loan when the 23-year-old fully recovers from his operation.

There have been several enquires from clubs wanting to take the Bodymoor Heath academy graduate on a temporary basis.

Albrighton missed the second half of last season with a broken foot and the recent problem with his voice box follows a thigh injury in pre-season.

He has played just one match since January, producing an encouraging performance during the Capital One Cup defeat to Tottenham last month.

“He is doing all right,” said Lambert. “There have been one or two asking for him on loan. I have had a chat with him, but I don’t know. He’s doing all right in training. He’s working hard.

“There seems to be one thing after another but he’s battled back pretty well.”

Gary Gardner is making slow progress with his back problem, but hopes to return next month after missing all of the season so far.

“His back is not recovering too well,” confirmed Lambert.

“We need to give him a week or so to see how he’s going. It’s just his back. He went to see the specialist on it, but we don’t know if it’s a nerve.

“We need to give him more time, like the specialist said.”

[Big Dick Edwards]

Both Marc and Gary have been extremely unlucky with injuries so early in their careers. Let's hope they come through ultimately stronger players.

[eastie]

Both Marc and Gary have been extremely unlucky with injuries so early in their careers. Let's hope they come through ultimately stronger players.

With this being his last year in contract i wonder if lambert has seen enough to offer him another one .

[supertom]

Feel for both of them. It's a shame that injuries have held both back, GG in particular. Gardner is in his final year too isn't he?

I would be very surprised if we extended Albrightons contract. He'll be on about 20k a week I'd have thought.

As for Gardner he might earn a years extension perhaps but I can't see him getting more than that.

In terms of Alby it's a real shame he's not fit and raring to go right now. There's a place for him in the side, given we're in dire need of some width and decent delivery from wide.

[eastie]

We are in dire need of width i agree but even with a fit albrighton I'm still not sure lambert would use him - sad because under houllier he looked so promising.

Regarding Gardner i had high hopes of him becoming the best of our young players for many years but he seems to be a bit  injury prone - I think he needs to find fitness and impress later this season or he might  miss out on a new deal.

[eamonn]

They're the two products of our academy that have shown they could make adifference to us as a creative  force and they both seem fairly humble, hard-working young men so I hope they catch a break with us before its too late.

[PaulWinch again]

They're the two products of our academy that have shown they could make adifference to us as a creative  force and they both seem fairly humble, hard-working young men so I hope they catch a break with us before its too late.

I think they're going to struggle and I had high hopes for Gardner.

[achilles]

They're the two products of our academy that have shown they could make adifference to us as a creative  force and they both seem fairly humble, hard-working young men so I hope they catch a break with us before its too late.

I think they're going to struggle and I had high hopes for Gardner.

Unfortunately I am coming to the same conclusion, its a real shame!

[myf]

Isn't gardner fit again?

[eastie]

Isn't gardner fit again?

Long term back injury - will be a few weeks at least yet.

[Navin R Johnson]

The Bomb Squad beckons for both of them I fear.

[fredm]

Think both should be offered 1 year deals at 50 per cent of their current wage with added incentives. Then, if they cut it, good. They will be on a decent wage and can be offered another deal. If they don't cut it then we haven't lost too much.  Think both would accept that as they would be hard pressed to get a better deal elsewhere.

[VillaAlways]

Brmingham Mail reporting he's off to Wigan on loan in the next few ays

[FrankyH]

Deserved a chance after the Spurs league cup game, offers more than Tonev.Wasn't bought by Lambert so doesn't get the same breaks as Westwood/KEA who should have been dropped because of their poor form.

[VillaAlways]

Deserved a chance after the Spurs league cup game, offers more than Tonev.Wasn't bought by Lambert so doesn't get the same breaks as Westwood/KEA who should have been dropped because of their poor form.

To be fair, I think he's been injured since the Spurs game