When is Fabian Delph back?

[Villafirst]

Perhaps I haven't read enough threads on this board, but things seem quiet on his return. I thought when the injury was diagnosed/treated last April that the prognosis was a six month lay-off? Well, six months on, what's happened? I can't wait for his return when he can begin the task of ousting Petrov!

[Shrek]

It was a 9 months lay off, so he won't be back till the new year.

[PaulTheVillan]

2011.

[Irish villain]

Hope his recovery is going well. Would be great if he was fit enough to challenge for a place coming towards the end of the season. Would be like a new signing at a critical time of the season.

[Villafirst]

It was a 9 months lay off, so he won't be back till the new year.

Are you sure? I seem to recall October or November as the return date. The club haven't updated us much recently (no surprise there). Any quotes from Fabian himself?

[AlwaysAVFC]

It was definitely 9 months. I had the same operation about the same time but I'd imagine that his rehabilitation has probably over taken me now as work is taking its toll on my recovery as well as time to do the necessary exercises, which won't be a problem for him.
I had a hamstring graft not sure what Delph had but as well as growing and strengthening this, you also lose all strength in your Quadracep, but its going to be the actual graft which keeps him out the full length as it is one of those things you can't rush. Having said that going by my recover Delph should doing a lot if gym work and some running etc so his fitness should be coming back to him. He's not going to be doing anything that requires a quick change of direction just yet.

Obviously I'm just guessing but he should be well on his way but it won't be till the new year.

[paul_e]

Think the last thing that came out was that he was back in light training around the start of september.  If that's going well he should be getting close to full training now and maybe ready for a run out with the reserves by early november.

[PaulWinch again]

I'm looking forward to him being back, I think he'll be a cracking player.

[darren woolley]

I can't wait untill he comes back big player for us in the coming years.

[TheSandman]

Can't wait. He is an option we need in midfield.

[eamonn]

Anyone know how he got on with Gary Mac at Leeds? Him joining the Villa may have boosted his spirits.

[KevinGage]

I don't see him as coming in and providing any kind of competition for Petrov (initially anyroad), not until he's got up to speed as to the demands of the Premiership and is tactically switched on.

You can afford to make the odd mistake in the third division and not get punished. Give the ball away in the centre of the park in the Prem and it can be game changing.

I'd see him coming back and providing competition for Downing initially.
This can only be a good thing as playing with two out and out wingers often leaves us unbalanced. Playing Delph wide left gives us the chance to utilise what he does best, namely taking players on and creating chances. He has a bit of bite to his game as well and that's something we could do with seeing more of in general. As a team we're still too nice.

Longterm I can see Delph being a big player for us in the centre of the park but there should be no rush. Gareth Barry only started cementing himself a regular place in that position when he was in his mid 20's. Delph is still only 20, lets not forget. When he's ready, he's ready.

[vilan461]

I'm looking forward to him being back, I think he'll be a cracking player.
[/quote
 Absolutely 101% agreement, have been very impressed with this lad, thought he was awesome against Brighton,--the sooner he ia available the better---reminds me of a certain past hero Alex Cropley,
   should provide the bite and fight needed in midfield----wishing you a speedy recovery now Fabian lad.

[Shrek]

I don't see him as coming in and providing any kind of competition for Petrov (initially anyroad), not until he's got up to speed as to the demands of the Premiership and is tactically switched on.

You can afford to make the odd mistake in the third division and not get punished. Give the ball away in the centre of the park in the Prem and it can be game changing.

I'd see him coming back and providing competition for Downing initially.
This can only be a good thing as playing with two out and out wingers often leaves us unbalanced. Playing Delph wide left gives us the chance to utilise what he does best, namely taking players on and creating chances. He has a bit of bite to his game as well and that's something we could do with seeing more of in general. As a team we're still too nice.

Longterm I can see Delph being a big player for us in the centre of the park but there should be no rush. Gareth Barry only started cementing himself a regular place in that position when he was in his mid 20's. Delph is still only 20, lets not forget. When he's ready, he's ready.

I'm hoping Petrov is no where near the starting line up when Delph is fit.

Ow and we are one of the teams who has broken someones leg this year, so maybe not that nice.

[KevinGage]

Sidwell mistiming a tackle is not indicative of the mindset of the team as a whole.

I'd be quite happy to see a central three with Delph, Petrov and NRC - with Delph operating on the left and Albrighton as our only out and out winger.

Gives us a bit of everything.