Aston Villa sweat on fitness of Clark and El Ahmadi ahead of clash with Norwich

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert hopes his duo Karim El Ahmadi and Ciaran Clark will return to full fitness for the crucial game against Norwich.

Aston Villa are beaming with confidence after thrashing 6-1 Di Canio’s Sunderland and are considered favourites to secure their top-flight this season. Lambert has decided not to risk Karim El Ahmadi and Ciaran Clark for the game against the Black Cats and reckons the pair will be fit enough to take part in the away game.

Clark has been recovering well after foot injury, while El Ahmadi could return just in time after sustaining a groin problem. Both players will be assessed ahead of the game. Lambert said: “Ciaran hurt his foot in training the other day. Karim got a groin strain the other day, too. It was too risky to play them. We will see how they are later in the week.”